By CESAR JOLITO III

The body of a 45-year-old man believed to have jumped from a passenger vessel was recovered in the waters off Negros Occidental’s San Carlos City on Thursday morning, April 30.

The victim, identified as alias Jesse Ruben, a resident of Sagay City’s Barangay Lopez Jaena, was found floating in an advanced state of decomposition at 5:55 a.m. in the Tañon Strait near Sipaway Island in Barangay San Juan.

San Carlos City police said the remains were retrieved by the Bantay Dagat Task Force and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), who transported the body by ferry back to shore.

PCG San Carlos Substation Commander Ensign Daryl Flores said a local fisherman first spotted the body drifting at sea and immediately reported the incident to authorities.

Initial investigation indicated that Ruben had boarded a vessel bound for Toledo City, Cebu.

However, based on statements from his family, he had reportedly been struggling with depression, raising the possibility that he may have jumped overboard during the trip.

Authorities said the body was recovered approximately 700 meters from the area where he was believed to have leaped from the vessel.

A bag containing personal belongings, including a birth certificate, was found with the victim, aiding in his identification./CJ, WDJ