TABINA, Zamboanga del Sur — A 23-year-old fisherman died after a heated altercation with a fellow fisherman early Thursday morning, October 16, 2025, in Purok Sanib Langis, Barangay Poblacion, Tabina. The incident has sparked public outrage after reports surfaced that the ambulance from the Rural Health Unit (RHU) could not immediately transport the victim due to a lack of fuel.
Police investigation revealed that the victim, identified as Jerick Panganiban, and the suspect were loading ice onto their fishing boat when a piece of ice accidentally fell on the victim’s foot. This triggered an argument that escalated into a fistfight.
Witnesses said the victim struck the suspect first, who retaliated, causing both of them to lose balance. The suspect reportedly fell onto the sandy part of the shore, while Panganiban fell backward and hit his head on a large rock.
The victim was rushed to the Rural Health Unit of Tabina, but was later declared dead by the attending doctor due to severe head injuries.
However, controversy arose after the victim’s wife, Nicole, revealed that the ambulance could not immediately bring her husband to **Margosatubig Regional Hospital** because it had no gasoline. They allegedly had to look for fuel first, while another patient with their own fuel was prioritized for transfer.
Local media outlets also reported that there was no doctor on duty when they visited the RHU.
The suspect fled after the incident, prompting the Tabina Municipal Police Station to launch a hot pursuit operation.
In response to the growing public concern, Mayor Bader Malaco personally visited the wake of the victim Thursday evening. In a Facebook post, Malaco said he listened to both the RHU’s and the victim’s family’s sides and vowed to help the family seek justice for Panganiban’s death.
Authorities continue to investigate both the homicide and the alleged negligence in the RHU’s emergency response.
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