MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — A 59-year-old man believed to have a mental disability was found dead along the shoreline of Mati Park and Baywalk in Barangay Central, Mati City on the morning of May 30, 2026, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Norlin “Nonoy” Nombrado, a resident of Nazareno, Mati City. According to his relatives and neighbors, Nombrado had a mental condition and was known in their community.
Initial reports said the victim’s lifeless body, reportedly without clothing, was discovered at around 10:00 a.m. near the baywalk area. Authorities later confirmed that the body was found approximately three meters from the shoreline.
A relative of the victim disclosed that Nombrado was still able to return home at around 11:00 p.m. on May 29 before the tragic incident happened.
Family members expressed shock over the circumstances surrounding his death, saying the victim was known to be afraid of the sea, making it difficult for them to understand how he ended up dead near the shoreline.
Personnel of the Coast Guard Sub-Station Mati immediately responded after receiving information about the incident at around 11:10 a.m. Responders coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Mati City and the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) Davao Oriental to verify the report and assist in the retrieval operation.
Authorities said the victim’s remains were later turned over to a funeral service vehicle for proper handling and brought to his family.
A neighbor identified only as alias “Jeo” personally confirmed the identity of the victim during the investigation.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the incident highlights the importance of vigilance and safety along coastal areas and assured the public that Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental and Coast Guard Sub-Station Mati remain on alert and ready to respond to emergencies along the shoreline and maritime areas.
As of this writing, the Mati City Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death to determine whether foul play was involved.