A 52-year-old man was discovered deceased on a shoreline in northern Cebu, a tragic end to a search launched after he leaped from a passenger ship a day earlier.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The body of Shilbert Escala Salimbangon, a resident of Barangay Kawit in Medellin, was found on the morning of Wednesday, December 24, 2025. He was located along the shore of Barangay Calape in Daanbantayan.
According to PO2 Ryan Arriesgado of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Salimbangon had been a passenger aboard the mv Cawayan Star. The vessel was on its route from Polambato Port in Bogo City to Masbate when the incident occurred.
Investigations revealed that at 6:42 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, while the ship was sailing off the coast of Daanbantayan, Salimbangon intentionally jumped into the water. The PCG promptly initiated search and rescue operations, but they were unable to locate him that day.
Family Reveals Struggles Behind the Tragedy
The victim's sister, Ruby Salimbangon Duba, provided context to her brother's desperate act. She disclosed that Salimbangon had been battling depression, exacerbated by frequent arguments with his live-in partner.
Duba stated that these disputes often forced him to leave their home, though the specific causes were not detailed. Compounding his struggles, Salimbangon was also suffering from a deteriorating eye condition that had left him nearly blind.
Authorities Conclude Investigation
Following the discovery of the body by a fisherman at around 8 a.m. on December 24, authorities examined the case. Police found no signs of foul play.
Dr. Marielle Dominique Malaga, a medico-legal officer, officially ruled the death a suicide. The victim's remains were subsequently released and turned over to his grieving family.
