Teen drowns while crossing river in Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A 16-year-old boy drowned while crossing a river on Saturday afternoon, August 9, in Barangay Mapulang Bato, Dao, Capiz.

The body of the victim, known as alias Banban of Barangay Bita, Dao, was recovered Sunday morning, August 10, during a search and retrieval operation conducted by the Dao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Dao Emergency Response Unit.

According to the Dao Municipal Police Station, the victim’s aunt reported that he failed to return home and was reportedly swept away by the current while crossing the river. The crossing was a shortcut to their house.

Witnesses said they last saw the victim wading through a shallow portion of the river before he was suddenly carried away by strong water flow.