A member of the Badjao community was found dead with stab wounds at a canal in General Santos City.

Authorities identified the victim as an 18-year-old towel vendor. His body was found naked and submerged in the canal in Barangay Katangawan.

The victim sustained four stab wounds in the body.

Police said some residents saw the victim fishing at the canal.

Authorities are investigating the incident to identify the possible perpetrator and determine the motive. They are also investigating the victim’s tattoo mark to determine whether it indicates involvement in any criminal activity.

“Yung tattoo sa likod na sukarap ibig sabihin nito ito yung mga bata or taong hamog na sa tagalog pa na isang grupo or mga grupo ng kabataan na nag-iikot sa siyudad ng madaling araw. Titingnan natin kung meron ba siyang criminal involvement,” Police Station 8 Chief, Major Robert Fores, said.

Police said the victim may have been dumped in the area.

“Just to make it clear, hindi ito pinatay sa Katangawan. Itinapon lang ito sa Barangay Katangawan,” Fores added.