Body of PWD found after Iloilo drowning incident

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The body of a 26-year-old person with disability (PWD) was found two days after he drowned in Molo, Iloilo City.

Residents of Barangay Boulevard spotted the body of the victim, identified only as alias Buddy, floating along the riverbank in Barangay North Baluarte around 8:30 a.m. on July 23.

Buddy, an Alternative Learning System (ALS) student, went missing on the afternoon of July 21 after reportedly drowning.

He and four younger companions went to the shoreline in Sitio Little Boracay, Boulevard, to collect green shells and blood clams when the incident occurred.

One of his younger cousins had been carrying him on his shoulders before he accidentally fell into the water.

A strong current swept him away, and he eventually drowned.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation but failed to locate him until two days later.

Prior to this incident, a 13-year-old boy also drowned in a stream in Jaro district.

The victim had been swimming with friends in Barangay Tagbac, Jaro, on the afternoon of July 20.

His body was recovered at around 6 a.m. on July 22.