A male college student from Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, was found dead in the Simuay River in Barangay Matengen, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Monday afternoon, August 10, 2026, in an incident now under investigation by authorities.
The victim was positively identified by relatives as Abubakar Lauban Hasim, also known by the alias “Hash,” a student of Cotabato State University (CSU) in Cotabato City and a resident of Mamasapano. He was reportedly wearing black clothing, black pants, and black shoes when his body was recovered from the river. Residents who discovered the body immediately alerted authorities, prompting responding personnel to secure the area and recover the remains.
Initial information indicated that Hasim had two apparent gunshot wounds to the abdominal area, raising questions about whether he was shot before ending up in the river. The circumstances surrounding how he reached the Simuay River remain unclear, and authorities have yet to establish the exact sequence of events that led to his death. The presence of apparent gunshot wounds has prompted investigators to look into the possibility of foul play.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, including efforts to establish where and when the shooting occurred, identify the person or persons responsible, and determine whether the victim was already dead before entering the water. The victim’s remains are expected to undergo further examination that could provide additional evidence regarding the cause and manner of death. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.