A 26-year-old man drowned in a river in Jimalalud, Negros Oriental.
The man crossed Pacuan River in Barangay Pacuan, Jimalalud evening on February 8, 2026. His body was retrieved morning on February 9.
His body was found about a kilometer away from where he was last seen wading the waters.
In an investigation by the Jimalalud Municipal Police, the victim was on his way home. As he was about to cross a raging river, he was stopped by his companions. However, he did not heed them despite the strong current. While reportedly in the middle of the river, he was swept away.
The barangay rescue unit responded immediately but operation was stalled as it was already dark and the water level started to rise.
According to Barangay Councilman Ronald Fabillar, the man was already able to cross via a bamboo bridge, but he went back and waded in the raging waters.
The man's companions who walked on the bamboo bridge to get to the other side of the river are all safe, according to Fabillar.
Fabillar surmised that the man could have been drunk.
However, the man's family is yet to confirm this.
According to state weather bureau, PAGASA, localized thunderstorm dumped rains in the upland areas of Barangay Pacuan on February 8.
(via Vic Camion/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)
