STA. MARCELA, Apayao June 17 – A 40-year old farmer died after he allegedly drowned in an irrigation canal at barangay Imelda, here, Saturday.
Police authorities identified the fatality as Arnold Rarugal Salitamos, 40, single, and a resident of barangay Poblacion West, Flora, Apayao.
Initial police investigation showed that concerned farmers reportedly saw the victim’s lifeless body floating in the irrigation canal that prompted them to seek the assistance of barangay officials and emergency responders who were able to retrieve the same from the said canal.
The victim was immediately rushed to the Sta. Marcela district hospital for medical treatment but he was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.
Examination conducted on the victim’s body showed no signs of external injuries that caused probers to rule that he died due to drowning.
The victim’s body was brought home by his relatives for him to be given a decent wake and burial.
By Dexter A. See