DAVAO CITY — A 55-year-old man was found dead floating in the waters off Barangay Ilang late Sunday night, April 5, 2026, in what authorities initially believe to be a drowning incident involving alcohol.
The victim, identified only by his alias “Walz,” was discovered lifeless at around 11:20 p.m. in Purok 10, NSV, by a 24-year-old resident known as “Jeboy.” The area, located along the coastal stretch of Barangay Ilang, is frequented by locals, particularly during nighttime.
According to initial reports, the victim had been seen less than an hour earlier, at around 10:50 p.m., near the shoreline. Witnesses said he appeared heavily intoxicated and was swimming alone at the time, raising concerns about his safety.
Moments later, the situation turned tragic when the victim was found unresponsive, floating in the water. Residents immediately alerted authorities, who responded to the scene and conducted a preliminary assessment.
Police reported that there were no visible signs of external injury or foul play on the victim’s body, indicating that the incident was likely accidental. Investigators are considering the possibility that the victim may have lost consciousness while in the water due to intoxication, leading to drowning.
The remains were subsequently retrieved and turned over to a local funeral service provider for proper handling and further examination.
Authorities have reminded the public to exercise caution when near bodies of water, especially under the influence of alcohol, as such conditions significantly increase the risk of drowning and other accidents.
Further investigation is ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.