PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte – Residents of Barangay Tucamaror, Bongo Island, were startled on Monday morning, September 29, 2025, after discovering the lifeless body of a man inside a motorized banca that had drifted ashore.
According to locals, they were first alerted by a strong odor emanating from the vessel. Upon checking, they found the body of a man covered with a blue tarpaulin. The Parang Municipal Police Station was immediately informed of the incident.
Initial descriptions from the residents noted that the victim was of medium build and height, wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt. Authorities initially sought the public’s assistance in identifying the deceased, calling on anyone with missing relatives to coordinate with the police.
Later in the day, the body was identified as that of Mentuk Brando, a fisherman from Sitio Lugay-Lugay, Barangay Bagua-1, Cotabato City. Reports suggest that Brando’s boat may have been swept by strong waves toward Bongo Island before it was found by residents.
A local resident, Matt Salik, uploaded details of the discovery online to help trace the victim’s family. Brando’s relatives promptly responded and claimed his remains. He was brought back to his hometown to be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances behind the fisherman’s death to determine whether foul play was involved or if it was a case of accidental drowning.