COTABATO CITY — A 21-year-old man was found dead early Friday morning after reportedly drowning while fishing in Purok Tadeken, Barangay Tamontaka IV, Cotabato City. The victim was identified as Datumar Thoks, a resident of the same barangay. According to Barangay Chairman Tong Gayak, the incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. on January 3, 2026, when Thoks left their home to go fishing along the Tamontaka River.
Residents and barangay officials later discovered Thoks’ lifeless body floating in the river and immediately retrieved it. His family has since taken custody of his remains. Initial reports indicate that the young fisherman may have accidentally drowned while fishing, though authorities said the exact circumstances leading to his death are still being determined.
Local officials confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to establish the full details of the incident. The barangay government also reminded residents to exercise extreme caution when fishing, especially at night, as rivers and waterways can be unpredictable and dangerous, particularly during the early hours when visibility is low.