38-yr.-old man with mental disorder found dead along Apayao River

Calanasan, Apayao – A 38-year-old man, reportedly suffering from a mental disorder and living alone, was found dead along the Apayao River in Calanasan on December 14, 2025.

Apayao police identified the victim as Leo Gaddayo, a resident of Barangay Naguilian, Calanasan.

Based on a report from the Calanasan Municipal Police Station, a concerned citizen notified authorities at around 4:30 p.m. that day through a phone call, reporting the discovery of Gaddayo’s lifeless body in the river along Barangay Ninoy Aquino Jr.

Following the report, an inter-agency rescue team from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC–Calanasan) immediately proceeded to the location to confirm the discovery.

Upon arrival, responding authorities confirmed the presence of a cadaver, which was found completely naked and lodged among rocks after the river’s water level had subsided.

Members of Gaddayo’s family later arrived at the scene and confirmed the victim’s identity.

Police investigations revealed that Gaddayo may have been crossing the river between December 4 and 14 while heading home to Sitio Badduang when he slipped, fell, and was swept away by strong currents, eventually reaching the area where his body was recovered.

The victim’s body was brought to Barangay Poblacion, where Municipal Health Officer Dr. Melchor Patal-e conducted a post-mortem examination, which determined that the cause of death was drowning with physical injuries.

During rainy days, the Apayao River becomes swollen with fast and strong currents and muddy, debris-filled waters. Water levels rise rapidly, increasing erosion and flood risks. River crossings and navigation become dangerous due to poor visibility, floating debris, and unpredictable flows.

It may be recalled that on December 6, 2024, three police officers were found dead after their boat capsized in the Apayao River. They were part of an eight-member team from the 2nd Apayao Provincial Mobile Force Company conducting a follow-up investigation and serving an arrest warrant in Calanasan, Apayao.

The incident occurred in Barangay Lubong, Langnao, when strong river currents caused by heavy rains overturned their boat.