STA. MARCELA, Apayao June 19 – A 24-year old farmer died after he accidentally drowned while he and his friends were swimming in the Apayao river, particularly at Barocboc, here, Saturday.
Police authorities identified the fatality as Vincent Baga Jose, 24, single, farmer and a resident of barangay Curva, Pamplona Cagayan.
Initial police investigation showed the victim and his friends went to the said river to swim but he was allegedly carried away by the strong current that caused him to disappear from the sight of his colleagues who immediately sought police assistance to locate him.
Responding police operatives and rescue volunteers were able to recover the body of the victim at least 100 meters away from the place of incident and was immediately rushed to the Sta. Marcela District hospital for medical treatment, however, he was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.
The body of the victim was brought home by his relatives for him to be given the appropriate wake and burial.
By Dexter A. See