CEBU, Philippines — A 15-year-old boy who went missing while searching for a cellphone that fell into the sea was found dead at Hagnaya Port in San Remigio, Cebu, Monday morning, August 24, 2026.
The victim was identified as Mark Salvador Samson, a resident of Purok Sikwa, Barangay Hagnaya.
Samson’s body was found on the port’s ramp at around 7:46 a.m. by Rodulfo Layague, who immediately alerted the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Municipal Health Officer Dr. Orleta Ursal examined Samson and confirmed that he was already dead.
Police said Samson and his companions went into the sea to search for a cellphone that had reportedly fallen into the water.
According to Samson’s companions, Cris Eljohn Calixton Dubal, 23, an apprentice aboard M/V Island Venture and a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Maitum, Sarangani Province, had offered a P1,000 reward to whoever could find his cellphone.
The minors searched for the cellphone on Sunday night, August 23, but Samson failed to resurface and was reported missing.
His companions sought help from the San Remigio police, who coordinated with the PCG for a search and rescue operation in the waters off Hagnaya Port.
The search initially failed to locate Samson. Police later received information Monday morning that a child’s body had been found at the port.
Samson’s remains will undergo an autopsy to determine the cause of death and establish whether foul play was involved. — (FREEMAN)