Bukidnon bamboo farmer's body recovered from river after three days

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — The search for Rocky Bitos, 38, of Barangay Colonia came to an end Wednesday morning when authorities found his decomposing remains along the Manupali River downstream from where he disappeared. Bitos had been missing since Sunday, October 18, when he ventured onto the river with a traditional handmade bamboo raft known locally as a gakit.

The victim was engaged in bamboo gathering, a common livelihood activity in the region, when the incident occurred. Initial accounts indicate that Bitos lost control of the raft while traversing the river, resulting in his drowning.

A coordinated search and rescue operation was launched following his disappearance, involving local authorities and community members. The recovery of his body on the third day of the search brought closure to anxious family members and the broader community.

The incident underscores the occupational hazards faced by workers in rural areas who rely on traditional watercraft to access forested areas for resource gathering.