A 48-year-old man was found dead after he was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross a river in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Residents and rescuers found the man’s body at a quarry site along the river in Barangay Bokong around 5 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Authorities said the man had been missing for nearly two days after he was swept away by floodwaters while crossing the Dipaya River afternoon on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Rescuers reportedly used a backhoe during an extensive search and retrieval operation.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the man and his relative were on their way home after collecting their salaries from a construction company when they encountered flooding.

“Seguro excited sila makauli kay para dunay matunol sa pamilya kay ingun pa nila namalit pa daw to og karneng baka aron lutuon sa ilang balay,” MDRRMO Head, Marvin Julius Pagaduan, said.

Authorities added that the two were forced to cross the higher portion of the river after the spillway they usually used was already submerged.

The relative reportedly tried to guide him, but the man was swept away by the floodwaters. The man’s relative survived.

“As per report, katong isa nga kauban mao ang gaguyud sa maong biktima kay ang biktima dili siya kabalo mulangoy,” Pagaduan added.

Authorities reminded the public to avoid crossing rivers and flooded areas, especially during heavy rains to prevent drowning incidents.

“Kung dako-dako na gani ang tubig or mibaha na gayud dili na lang ta mo-kumpiyansa og tabok aron walay mahitabong pagkalumos,” Pagaduan said.