A 34-year-old man jumped off a barge bound for Negros Oriental from Cebu.
The incident happened afternoon on February 10, 2026. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Negros Polymedic Hospital.
According to the San Jose Municipal Police, the man boarded the barge at the Liloan Port in Santander, Cebu heading for the Tampi Port in San Jose. From there, he was supposed to travel to Santa Catalina town.
He jumped off the vessel while the barge was already in the waters of Negros Oriental. Other passengers reported the incident to ship officers who sought the help of rescuers.
A video showed fishermen nearby helping in the rescue. The man was reportedly in the water for over an hour.
Rescuers tried to resuscitate him while the barge was nearing port to no avail.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that prior to the incident, the man was on a video call with his live-in partner who was waiting for him at the Tampi Port. His partner was suprised because he reportedly ended the call abruptly.
This was when he decided to jump because he got afraid because someone was reportedly following him.
"Nisulti siya mga moambak siya kay nahadlok daw siya. Nahadlok siya kay naa daw nagsunod niya, so natingala ang iyang ka live-in nga kalit nipawong ang video call,” according to Police Captain Rennete Joy Jumuad of San Jose Municipal Police Station.
A lifebuoy was thrown into the water but the man allegedly refused to hold on to it.
“Allegedly drunk ni siya, nakainom. Ingon iyang asawa upon interview, naa daw personal problem.Giitsahan og life ring kadtong orange, katong murag salbabida, dili gyud kuno siya mogunit,” said Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia of PCG Negros Oriental.
His live-in partner told the PCG the man had issues with his family. The PCG did not elaborate what these issues were.
Following the incident, the PCG suggested that the operator of the barge employ a rescue team that could respond immediately to emergencies at sea.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing, as of this writing.
(via Vic Camion/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)
