Missing 6-year-old boy found dead

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A 6-year-old boy who went missing after their boat capsized Saturday evening, September 25, in the waters of Brgy. Madulano in Pres. Roxas, Capiz was found dead Sunday.

The Pontevedra Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) informed Pres. Roxas Mayor Receliste Escolin and their MDRRMO that the body of Mark Lawrence Balasa was found at Palompon Manapao, Pontevedra.

Investigation by the Pontevedra police said that the victims were on their way to Brgy. Marita, President Roxas from Brgy. Manapao on a boat skippered by Mark Lawrence’s father Jose when big waves hammered their boat.

All other passenger survived except for Mark.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Municipal DRRMO of President Roxas, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), PNP and village officials from Barangays Quiajo, Pandan, Madulano, Pinamihagan, and Manapao, all in Pontevedra, conducted search and rescue operations but failed to locate the victim.

Punong Barangay Nelson Barana of Brgy. Pandan, President Roxas said the father also joined the search for his son.