A 41-year-old fish vendor who was in the barangay drug watchlist was killed brutally in Purok Kings 1 in Barangay General Paulino Santos in Koronadal City.

The victim’s remains were found at a grassy area dawn on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

He had a hack wound in the head and his severed left hand was found several meters away from his body.

Based on investigation, the victim may have been killed by an acquaintance over something linked to illegal drugs for which had an arrest warrant.

Operatives are pursuing the suspects, as of this writing.

“Upon further validation and coordination sa barangay is nasa watchlist siya ng Barangay GPS and, at the same time, nasa target list siya ng City Drug Enforcement Unit. Paumanhin sa pamilya or sa kaanak ng ating victim, although, ganito ang nangyayari, nasa target list namin siya,” Koronadal City Police Station Chief, Lt. Col. Harold Cornel, said.

SEPARATE INCIDENT

Meanwhile, a 51-year-old woman was found dead in the middle of a creek in Sitio Mani, Barangay Topland on May 26.

The victim, a resident of Purok Tribal Village, reportedly failed to return home since Friday, May 22, 2026.

However, her husband did not report her missing because she would reportedly stay long occasionally with relatives when visiting.

Police said that based on accounts of the victim’s family, she had been warned not to swim in the creek at night. However, she may have ignored the warning, went swimming, and drowned eventually.

Authorities are also verifying claims from the family that the victim has had mental health problems.

Investigation continues to determine whether foul play was involved in the incident.

“Kung meron mang posibleng foul play wala tayong ibang iimbestigahan kundi ang husband kung bakit hindi niya ni-report na nawawala ang kanyang asawa,” Cornel said.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the family for a statement, as of this writing.

Police assured that the incidents are isolated cases and that security measures remain strictly enforced.