Two Drown in Iloilo City on Feast of St. John

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two men reportedly drowned on June 24 during the feast of Saint John the Baptist in Iloilo City.

The victims were identified as Arnold de Garcia, also known as Nonoy, 60, of Barangay Progreso, Lapuz, Iloilo City, and Rodel Hermia, 39, of Barangay Poblacion 5, Hamtic, Antique.

Nonoy’s body was recovered from the waters of Barangay Rizal Lapuz Sur, Lapuz, around 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday.

It was believed he intended to swim but accidentally slipped and drowned.

Witnesses said Nonoy was seen sitting at the village gym around 8 a.m. that day and appeared intoxicated.

He reportedly asked a friend for PHP100 and left shortly after.

His personal belongings, including a prosthetic leg, were later found near the river.

Meanwhile, Rodel’s body was discovered around 5:20 p.m. in Barangay Rizal Pala Pala 2, City Proper district.

A caller informed the Iloilo City Police that a man went missing after diving into the water.

Philippine Coast Guard members and rescue teams recovered his body shortly after.

Rodel was also believed to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

In a related case, a 73-year-old man was also reported missing on June 24.

Noel Labrador, a resident of Barangay Iprog, San Enrique, Iloilo, may have drowned on June 23.

His family said he went to his farm Monday and failed to return home.

They reported him missing the next day.

His body was found the morning of June 25 in Barangay Alimono, Passi City.