PRESIDENT ROXAS, Cotabato — A 38-year-old duck farmer was found dead in a rice field in Barangay Mabuhay, President Roxas town, Cotabato, at around 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, authorities confirmed.
The victim was identified as Aldren Aquino Lopez, single, a resident of the said barangay and known locally as a duck raiser.
According to the President Roxas Municipal Police Station, Lopez was last seen alive at around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, while heading to the rice fields to check on his ducks. He failed to return home, prompting concern among family members.
His lifeless body was later discovered by residents lying face down in the muddy portion of the rice field, with his head submerged in water and mud.
Police said initial investigation and ocular inspection conducted by responding officers and an attending physician revealed no signs of foul play, struggle, or physical injuries on the victim’s body.
Family members and friends told authorities that Lopez had long been suffering from epilepsy and had experienced several seizure attacks in the past, some of which nearly caused him to drown.
“The cause of death is believed to be cardio-pulmonary arrest, possibly due to drowning after suffering an epileptic seizure,” police said, adding that the victim was already in a state of rigor mortis, indicating that he may have been dead for more than 24 hours before being found.
The Philippine National Police continues to conduct a standard investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, police authorities reminded the public, especially those with medical conditions that may pose life-threatening risks, to take extra precautions and avoid going alone to isolated areas.