The body of Army Corporal Teofilo Quimson Jr., 41, of Caliclic Babak, Davao del Norte, a retired member of the elite First Scout Ranger Regiment, was found Friday afternoon by residents of Apo Island, and a report issued by Municipal Health Officer Dr. Melpha Yee said he is believed to have died of natural causes.

The body was already in an advanced state of decomposition when first seen floating off the waters of Cogon Point in the southeastern part of Apo Island.

Apo Island barangay councilmen Felix Suan and Carlito Tabañera told the DAILY STAR that at around 5 p.m., the cadaver was washed ashore, and they retrieved and transported it to mainland Dauin on a motorized banca.

It was identified through identification cards found on the body. Some P12,500 in cash was also among the items recovered from the cadaver.

Lt. Col. Antonio Nafarette, battalion commander of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion-FSSR, based in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, said Quimson had already retired from the service.

Nafarette facilitated the transfer of the body from Dauin on Saturday afternoon.

The body was initially intended to be buried at the Dauin cemetery due to its decomposing state which Yee said posed a health hazard.

However, Nafarette sent emissaries to coordinate with Dauin Mayor Rodrigo Alanano Jr., who then allowed the turnover of the body to the Army personnel.

Nafarette said that as of yesterday afternoon, the remains of Quimson were already being transported to Cebu and will be on its way to Davao today.

Nafarette said the Army provided the steel casket from the 7th Scout Ranger Battalion in Cebu.

Police investigators, meanwhile, are also conducting further investigations into the death of the Army Scout Ranger.

The circumstances behind his death were not immediately known but the police speculated that Quimson might have jumped off a ship.*JG

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