ORMOC CITY — A 48-year-old tuba gatherer was declared dead after he reportedly fell from a coconut tree while collecting coconut sap in Sitio Bukid, Barangay Calingcaguing, Barugo, Leyte, on Sunday afternoon, June 28.
Police identified the victim only by the alias “Nico,” a resident of said town, Barugo.
According to the Barugo Municipal Police Station, officers responded at around 3 p.m. after receiving a report from a concerned citizen about a lifeless body found on the private property of Praxidio Bagares Llosa in Sitio Bukid.
Upon arriving at the scene, responding officers confirmed the report and found the victim lying lifeless at the foot of a coconut tree.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim accidentally fell while gathering tuba after the dried coconut frond he was holding reportedly broke off, causing him to lose his grip and plunge to the ground. His body was later found leaning against the trunk of the tree.
The victim was transported by rescue personnel to the Barugo Municipal Infirmary, where the attending physician declared him dead on arrival.
Police said further investigation showed that the victim had left home at around 6 a.m. to gather tuba before planning to buy groceries at the market in Carigara, Leyte. When he failed to return home as expected, his live-in partner went to the area where he regularly harvested coconut sap and discovered him already lifeless.
The landowner told investigators that the victim was the only person authorized to gather tuba on the property and that no other individuals had entered the area that day.
Authorities said no signs of foul play were observed at the scene. The victim’s remains were later released to his family.
(ROBERT DEJON)
