Con man’s body found in river

CEBU, Philippines - Three days after he plunged into the Argao River while trying to outrun police, the body of allegedly con artist Gilbert Gil, 45, was finally found in Barangay Canbanua, Argao town, yesterday morning.

The body was covered with garbage and already decomposing when found by Ruben Gerardo, who was gathering firewood around 10 a.m. It was the foul smell that led Gerardo to the body and he immediately called barangay officials who then alerted the police.

The body was caught on a mangrove tree at the mouth of the river leading to the sea.

“Naa na gyud sa ganghaan sa sapa unya dagat na dayon,” Argao police chief Inspector Alejandro Batobalonosa said, “nagdupa unya niburot na ang lawas unya kung mapunta sa dagat maglisod na mi’g pangita.”

The body was claimed by Gilbert’s relatives and taken to the St. Francis Funeral Homes for proper disposition.

Gilbert was with his wife, Zenaida Gil, 40, when they plunged into the river while being chased by the Argao police after victimizing an old man in Barangay Mompeller last Monday morning.

The couple was on board a Honda XRM motorcycle when they made a left turn without knowing they were heading to a dead end. Both preferred to plunge into the river rather than being caught. They were swept away by the strong current.

Zenaida was found near the Argao National High School that same day but was declared dead upon reaching the hospital.

Police warned residents in mountain areas to be aware of people who pretend or pose as medical practitioners and offer medicine without proper prescription or labels. (FREEMAN)