KABACAN, Cotabato — Residents were shocked on Wednesday morning, March 18, after discovering the body of a man floating in the Kabacan River beneath the bridge connecting Barangay Lumayong, Kabacan, and the town of Carmen.
The victim has been identified as Ginda Angkad, a resident of Barangay Balunto, Arakan, North Cotabato. Authorities said the body was first noticed by passersby along the riverbank, who immediately alerted the local police. Responding officers and emergency personnel promptly recovered the body and began an initial investigation.
Preliminary examination revealed that the victim sustained a gunshot wound to his back, believed to be the cause of death. Investigators suspect that Angkad was shot before being thrown into the river, although it remains unclear exactly where the shooting occurred.
Alongside the body, authorities recovered a small bag containing the victim’s identification card and religious items, including a thobe and sajadah. These items led investigators to believe that Angkad was an Ustadz, or Islamic religious teacher, and that he may have been traveling from a religious activity before the incident.
Police are also examining the river’s current to determine the point where the body may have been initially disposed of before it drifted under the bridge. Forensic experts are analyzing evidence collected from the scene, including the bullet recovered from the victim.
Angkad’s remains are currently at a local funeral home while awaiting the arrival of his family.
The Kabacan Municipal Police Station continues a thorough investigation to identify the motive behind the killing and to locate those responsible. The Philippine National Police (PNP) is expected to release further information, including ballistic examination results and other forensic findings, in the coming days.
Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information regarding the victim’s last known whereabouts or anyone who may have been involved. Investigators emphasized that public cooperation could significantly aid in securing justice for Angkad and his family.