Senior Inspector Melvin Laguros, chief of the investigation division of the National Capital Region Maritime Office based in Navotas, could not even say why all four funeral parlors declined.

He claimed the body was found by Benjie Camela, 35, a security guard of Philman Gold Fishing Corp., at the fish port complex, who appeared personally in his office, saying he found the body at about 5:30 a.m.

The victim, clad in blue denim shorts, appeared to be 25-30 years old and was already in an advanced state of decomposition when found floating beside the M/V Resly.

An investigation is still being conducted to determine the identity of the victim and how he died.

Laguros said his duty investigator called up the personnel at the Scene of the Crime Office (SOCO) of the Northern Police District at about 6:40 a.m. to report the discovery after an initial investigation was conducted.

Later, SOCO personnel led by Senior Inspector Carlos Mendez arrived and contacted the four funeral parlors for them to get the body.

A coordination was also made by the operatives at 6:50 p.m. at the Navotas Health Office, but failed as the office was closed for the celebration of Independence Day.

This prompted a Maritime Office personnel to proceed to the Lying-In Clinic in Navotas and seek assistance on the handling of the body.

Until 7:20 p.m. the man’s body remained afloat in the water with some personnel of the Maritime Office.

Detailed to guard the body, the Maritime official said, and with no assurance what to do. (Ed Mahilum)