A 19-year-old boy lost his life after being found floating in a river in Pinamungajan, Cebu. The tragic discovery was made on the evening of January 4, 2026, casting a shadow over the community of Barangay Anopog.
Discovery of the Victim
The victim has been identified as Denmar Abella Mangquit, a resident of Purok 7 in the same barangay. According to the Pinamungajan Police investigation, Mangquit left his family home at 2:00 PM that Sunday to go fishing in the river. When dusk fell and he had not returned, his family grew worried.
His relatives and neighbors immediately launched a search in the area where he was last seen. The search ended in sorrow when, at around 11:30 PM, his brother, Denjie, found him. Mangquit was already motionless, floating in the water.
Investigation and Family's Belief
Police and medical personnel who examined the scene and the victim's body reported no signs of foul play. This finding has led investigators to consider other causes for the young man's untimely death.
The victim's mother strongly believes his known medical condition was a factor. She suspects that her son suffered an epileptic seizure while he was fishing. This sudden attack likely caused him to fall into the water and drown before he could call for help or save himself.
Family Declines Further Procedure
In the wake of the incident, authorities encouraged the grieving family to allow an autopsy to be conducted. The procedure would have determined the precise cause of death. However, the family has declined this request, choosing to forgo the additional examination.
The community of Pinamungajan is now mourning the loss of Denmar Abella Mangquit, a young life cut short in a heartbreaking accident that highlights the dangers faced by individuals with health conditions near bodies of water.
