Photo by Rodge Cultura

AGUSAN DEL SUR - Gilbert Sanchez climbed a coconut tree last Dec. 2014. He has not set foot on the ground ever since.

The 60-foot-tall tree in La Paz, Agusan del Sur has become his home, where he eats and sleeps.

The 47-year-old father of two, despite several rescue attempts, has no intention of going down.

No one, not even his family, has figured it out.

Armed with a bladed weapon, he apparently sees anyone who goes near him as a threat.

Rescuers have been left scratching their heads on how to solve this dilemma.

How has Sanchez survived despite the passage of several storms over the past 2 years?

His 63-year-old mother Wenefreda delivers him food and water everyday.

Photo by Rodge Cultura

Sanchez also finds shade from coconut leaves against the punishing heat. Pieces of torn plastic cover and clothes can be seen hanging down from the tree.

During ABS-CBN's visit to the village, the news team chanced upon Wenefreda preparing food for her son.

She wrapped it in plastic and tied it to a long rope hanging from the tree. Her son then pulled it up.

According to Welfreda, her son, who had been suffering from abdominal pain, just suddenly changed his behavior. He has not been examined by a doctor.

Sanchez is the eldest in a brood of eight. His wife died in 2000 while giving birth to their second child.

Up to this day, he remains on the coconut tree.

The tree stands just a few meters away from their house. But Sanchez and his family seem to be worlds apart.