M’LANG, Cotabato — A 26-year-old man from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato was found dead while hanging inside a small hut locally known as a payag on Sunday afternoon, March 15, in Purok 6, Barangay Dungoan, authorities and the victim’s family confirmed.
The victim was identified as Bobby Kawit Gandang, a resident of Barangay Lamfugon in the municipality of Lake Sebu.
According to the victim’s family, Gandang had been missing for several days before his lifeless body was discovered.
Family members revealed that Gandang had been working in Marawi City together with a fellow resident from their barangay. The two reportedly traveled together as they headed home to South Cotabato.
However, during their trip back, Gandang allegedly failed to get off the bus with his companion when it stopped in Tulunan, Cotabato, where they were supposed to disembark. His companion reportedly lost track of him at that point.
Because of this, the family believes Gandang may have gotten off the bus in the neighboring town of M’lang.
The family also disclosed that the victim had been suffering from a mental disorder, which may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Relatives said Gandang had not returned home since March 13, two days before his body was discovered.
His body was eventually found hanging inside a hut in a rural area of Barangay Dungoan on Sunday afternoon. The discovery prompted local authorities to conduct an initial investigation into the incident.
The victim’s family confirmed his identity later that evening.
Authorities have yet to release further details as the investigation continues to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Gandang’s death.
Police are currently gathering additional information and interviewing possible witnesses to establish whether the incident was a case of suicide or if other factors may have been involved.