Fishermen from Santiago, Ilocos Sur found the body of a 19-year-old man floating off the coast of Candon City afternoon on Monday, August 11, 2025, three days after he was reported missing and believed to have drowned in Bakun River.

Police identified the victim as a resident of Alilem, Ilocos Sur who disappeared on Friday, August 8, after reportedly setting out to fetch his sibling.

According to the victim’s family, he may have drowned after slipping or being swept away by the strong river current at a spillway, as heavy rains had been pouring in the area for days.

He was reportedly riding his motorcycle when the incident occurred.

His motorcycle was recovered from Bakun River the following day, August 9.

“Ang nangyari ganito, hindi naman siya directly na [nalunod] sa Bakun River. Mayroon kasing daan na sementado. Eh ‘yung tubig natin galing sa bundok, nag-cross siya sa sementado na daan,” PMaj. Joseph Bantullay, chief of Alilem Police Station, said.

“That time malakas ang ulan at malakas din ‘yung tubig. Tapos nahulog siya, medyo mabato kasi sa nakahulugan niya. Baka that time na [nahulog], nagkaroon siya ng injury at hindi na nakalangoy,” he added.

The victim’s family has not issued a public statement.