Child drowns in Pontevedra river

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A 3-year-old girl died after she accidentally slipped and drowned while walking along the riverbank of the Panay River near Agbalo Bridge in Barangay Ilaya, Pontevedra, Capiz, at noon Monday, April 27.

Police identified the victim as alias “Ann” of Barangay Ilaya.

An investigation by the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station showed that the victim left the house with her 5-year-old sister while their grandmother was preparing lunch.

Police said the children left without the knowledge of the other occupants and went to the river to bathe their pet cat.

The victim accidentally slipped on the riverbank and fell into the water.

Her older sister, who did not know how to swim, went home and informed their grandmother.

The victim was later found in the deepest part of the river.

She was brought to Bailan District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending doctor.

Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man was also found dead Sunday morning, April 26, in Sitio Tabag, Barangay Tacas, Pontevedra, Capiz.

Police identified the victim as alias “Ric” of Barangay Malag-it, Pontevedra.

An investigation by the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station showed that the victim was found by a bystander lying on the riverbank of the Panay River, with bubbles coming from his mouth.

Police said the victim was last seen crossing a bamboo bridge late Saturday afternoon.

Since then, the victim had failed to return home.

Police are investigating the incident to determine the cause of his death.