A fisherman who had been missing for almost a week was found on Sunday floating and lifeless in waters off a village in Candijay.
Alfredo Balbuena, 40, was declared missing on March 14 after a fishing trip, said Chief Insp. Joseph Perondo, Candijay police chief.
Balbuena was fishing with one Antonio Duets near the Lunod Reef off Barangay Panas in Candijay when he suddenly dove from the banca.
He reportedly tried to retrieve what he thought was a submerged valuable object but never resurfaced, said Perondo.
Duets went after Balbuena but was unable to locate him.
The incident was immediately reported to authorities who in turn launched a search and rescue operation.
However, Balbuena was only found five days after by a fisherman who saw his body floating near the shore.
According to Perondo, Balbuena drowned and there were no indications of foul play behind his death based on initial examination conducted by a physician.
Authorities believe that Balbuena suffered from cramps as this reportedly happened to him often.
The victim, according to his family, was suffering from hypertension, which may have also caused complications while he was swimming underwater. (A. Doydora)