By I. Inojales | 01:50 PM June 11, 2026
TALIBON, Bohol — A 57-year-old fisherman died after a suspected shark attack while fishing in the waters off Calituban Island in Talibon town on Wednesday morning, June 10.
The victim was identified by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Talibon as Francisco Gonzales, a resident of Calituban Island.
According to the PCG, the incident occurred at around 10 a.m. while Gonzales was out fishing.
He reportedly sustained a severe injury to his shoulder believed to have been caused by a shark attack.
Fellow fishermen immediately transported Gonzales by boat to mainland Talibon so he could receive medical treatment.
He was rushed to Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital, where he was later declared dead.
Initial information gathered by authorities indicated that the shark may have been attracted to the fish Gonzales had caught and was carrying at the time of the incident. However, the fisherman was bitten during the encounter.
Talibon Municipal Police Station chief Police Major Romar Labasbas said authorities are conducting further investigation into the incident.
Labasbas said police will coordinate with hospital personnel to determine the exact cause of death and verify details surrounding the attack.
Authorities are also looking into reports of shark sightings in the area where the incident occurred.
Residents of Calituban Island, however, said sharks have long been known to inhabit the waters surrounding the island.
The investigation is ongoing.
