ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — A farmer who went missing after being swept away by sudden floodwaters while trying to save his carabao was found dead on Sunday morning, November 30, in Purok 7, Upper Tiparak, Tambulig. The heartbreaking discovery has left his family and community in deep mourning.
The victim was identified as Job Badillo Sr., 55, a resident of Purok Ipil-Ipil, Barangay Miligan in Molave. According to his wife, Virginia Badillo, Job had just returned from the town center of Molave after buying rice when he rushed to rescue their carabao tied near the river behind their home last Friday, November 28.
Virginia said her husband had always been quick to safeguard their livestock, especially during floods that often hit their area. But that day, a surge of water — reportedly caused by heavy rains in the uplands despite clear skies in Molave — proved too strong. Job was swept away by the sudden flash flood, while the carabao survived.
Neighbors immediately joined the family in searching for him, but despite hours of bayanihan, Job could not be found.
On Sunday, the family received devastating news: a lifeless body had been found along the riverbank in Barangay Tiparak, Tambulig. The victim was discovered by a certain Rodrigo, 43, who had been gathering firewood when he spotted a body partially buried in sand and mud, its head submerged.
Relatives rushed to the area and confirmed that the decomposing body was indeed Job. Authorities said the remains had already bloated, consistent with being in water for days. Investigators traced the route of the body, which had drifted from Barangay Miligan through the Dipolo River system connected to the Tambulig river.
Health personnel from the RHU later confirmed that Job died due to respiratory failure secondary to drowning, ruling the incident as accidental. The family declined an autopsy, saying they believe no foul play was involved and wished to proceed with the funeral.
Job’s remains are now at their home in Barangay Miligan, where relatives, friends, and neighbors gather to offer prayers and support to the grieving family. He is set to be laid to rest on Thursday.
As the community mourns, Virginia remembers her husband as a devoted provider who would always brave danger for the sake of their family and farm animals — a final act of selflessness that tragically cost him his life.