Two Drown in Separate Capiz Incidents

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Two men drowned in separate incidents on Tuesday, December 10, in the towns of Tapaz and Pilar.

Police Master Sergeant Garci, an investigator with the Tapaz Municipal Police Station, said Sammy Castor, 49, of Barangay Garcia, Tapaz, slipped while crossing a river and was swept away by a strong current.

The victim, who was previously paralyzed, was unable to swim to save himself. His body was retrieved an hour later and declared dead on arrival at a hospital.

In a separate incident, Ricarido Montalban, 50, of Barangay Casanayan, Pilar, was found floating in seawater by his cousin, Junie Arros.

Reports stated that Montalban fell from his boat while pulling his fishing nets.

Police said Montalban was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

He was rushed to Bailan District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Farmer Wanted for Murder Arrested After 28 Years

A 47-year-old farmer wanted for murder was arrested after 28 years in hiding in Tapaz, Capiz.

Alias Oliver was apprehended by Tapaz police on Tuesday morning, December 10, in Barangay San Miguel Ilaya, Tapaz, based on a warrant of arrest for murder.

The warrant was issued by the late Judge Armando G. Obienda of Branch 20, Mambusao, Capiz, on April 20, 1998. No bail was recommended for his temporary release.

Police said the suspect committed the crime at 20 years old and fled to unknown locations after the case was filed against him.

Authorities were alerted to his presence after receiving information that he had returned to his residence.

The suspect is now in the custody of the Tapaz Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.