TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The body of a 25-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Kagawad who was swept away by raging floodwaters while crossing a river in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, was finally recovered on the morning of July 14, bringing a heartbreaking end to nearly three days of search operations.
The victim was identified as Joel Ompoc, an SK Kagawad of Barangay Baclay and a resident of Purok Mahogany in the same village.
According to initial reports, Ompoc had been missing since around 10:00 a.m. on July 11, when he was carried away by the strong current of the Baclay River while attempting to cross it on his way home after fishing with four companions.
Authorities said the river suddenly swelled due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (Habagat), intensified by Typhoon Inday, causing powerful floodwaters that overwhelmed the victim.
Body Found Along Riverbank
The search came to a tragic conclusion at around 7:09 a.m. on July 14, when LGU Tukuran responder Jonare Anlas discovered Ompoc’s remains along the riverbank in Purok Osmeña, Barangay Curvada, several kilometers downstream from where he was last seen.
Anlas said he was conducting checks near the river when he noticed a foul odor coming from the area.
Upon investigating, he found a body lodged along the riverbank and immediately confirmed that it was the missing SK official.
Personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Tukuran immediately responded to recover the remains.
State of Decomposition
MDRRMO-Tukuran Head Julani Mamangcaw said the victim’s body was already in an advanced state of decomposition when it was recovered, prompting the family to decide on an immediate burial.
The municipal disaster office assured the grieving family that it would continue providing assistance in the wake of the tragedy, including support for the handling and burial of Ompoc’s remains.
Authorities have also continued documenting the incident as part of their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Dedicated Public Servant Remembered
The death of Ompoc has left Barangay Baclay mourning the loss of one of its young public servants.
In an official statement, the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Baclay expressed profound sorrow over his passing, describing him as a dedicated leader who faithfully served the youth and the community with humility, compassion, and commitment.
The SK council said Ompoc’s unwavering dedication and genuine concern for others left a legacy that would be remembered with gratitude and respect.
The council also called on the community to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and extended its deepest sympathies to his bereaved family, asking that they be strengthened and comforted during this difficult time.
Reminder Amid Continuing Heavy Rains
The tragedy serves as another grim reminder of the dangers posed by swollen rivers during periods of continuous heavy rainfall.
Disaster authorities continue to urge the public to avoid crossing rivers and flooded waterways whenever possible, especially during severe weather conditions, as water levels can rise rapidly and currents can become deadly within minutes.
The loss of the young SK leader has saddened residents of Tukuran, who now remember Joel Ompoc not only as a public servant but as a son, friend, and community leader whose life was cut short by nature’s unforgiving force.