Construction worker found dead after Leganes fishing trip

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A construction worker was found dead on a riverbank in Leganes, Iloilo, on the morning of April 18.

Police identified the victim only as alias Renel, 34, a resident of Sitio Pajo, Barangay Napnud, Leganes.

Investigators believe he died from electrocution while fishing in a river near their home.

Corporal Joefel Amihan, a Leganes police investigator, said their investigation pointed to possible electrofishing after an improvised electric fishing rod was found with the victim.

His younger brother reported the incident to police after they found Renel’s lifeless body at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Police said the victim may have been dead for several hours before he was found.

Amihan said Renel was lying on his back when he was discovered.

He said the body was already stiff and showed visible purplish discoloration on the lower part.

The victim also sustained burns on his left hand and left lower chest.

According to police, the victim usually went electrofishing after work.

On Friday, he arrived home at 5 p.m. and left to go fishing 30 minutes later.

He was able to bring home his catch and was believed to have returned to the river to retrieve his gear.

He did not return home that night.

His brother and mother searched for him the following day and found him near the river.

Amihan said a live wire used for electrofishing was connected to the main switch of their house.

Police said he may have forgotten to turn it off or unplug it when he went back to secure his fishing equipment.

Meanwhile, Renel’s family declined to have an autopsy conducted.

They believe the incident was purely accidental.