DAVAO CITY – A 54-year-old construction worker who was swept away by raging floodwaters during heavy rains in Tugbok District was found dead on Saturday morning, July 25, ending an overnight search and retrieval operation launched by local authorities.
The victim was identified as Rolando Moncada Jose, a married construction worker and resident of Purok Rambutan, Barangay Talandang, Tugbok District, Davao City.
According to reports from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Jose was carried away by the strong current of Luman Creek on Friday evening, July 24, at the height of continuous heavy rainfall that triggered flash flooding in the area.
Initial investigation revealed that Jose was riding his motorcycle when he lost control and fell into the swollen creek after being overwhelmed by the powerful current. While his motorcycle was immediately recovered after the incident, the victim disappeared beneath the rushing waters, prompting authorities to launch an extensive search and retrieval operation involving local responders.
After several hours of searching, rescuers recovered Jose’s lifeless body on Saturday morning in Purok 5, Sitio Luman, Barangay New Valencia, approximately three kilometers downstream from where he was last seen being swept away.
Police said the victim sustained multiple injuries on different parts of his body, consistent with being carried by the forceful current and hitting debris and rocks along the creek.
Authorities conducted an investigation into the incident and found no indication of foul play, concluding that the victim’s death was the result of a tragic accident caused by the flash flood.
Jose’s family also declined to have his body undergo an autopsy, saying they were convinced that his death was accidental.
The incident serves as another grim reminder of the dangers posed by sudden flooding and overflowing waterways during periods of intense rainfall. Authorities continue to advise the public to avoid crossing rivers, creeks, and flood-prone areas whenever heavy rains occur, as rapidly rising water levels and strong currents can quickly become life-threatening.
The tragic death of Jose underscores the continuing risks faced by motorists and residents during severe weather conditions, particularly in low-lying communities where flash floods can develop within minutes.