KIDAPAWAN CITY — A man believed to have drowned was found dead on the morning of Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in the Matingao River at Barangay Balabag.
The victim was identified by residents as Joseph Linatoc, a local resident of the area. According to witnesses, Linatoc was gathering sand from the river when they noticed him suddenly lose consciousness and float motionless in the water.
Neighbors rushed to rescue him, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was declared dead at the scene.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances behind Linatoc’s death, including the possible cause of his sudden loss of consciousness while working in the river.
The incident has raised concern among residents, who often rely on the river for livelihood activities such as sand gathering.