Two elderly men missing in Negros Oriental storm

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Two senior citizens remain missing in Negros Oriental after being swept away by swollen rivers during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Verbena.

Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo), said a 60-year-old resident of La Libertad town disappeared Monday after attempting to cross a river on his motorcycle despite dangerous conditions.

He was already mid-crossing when a strong current carried him away.

A similar incident occurred Tuesday in Bais City, where an 81-year-old man was swept off by rushing waters while on his way to the rural health unit for a medical checkup.

Polinar said the river in Barangay Cambagahan overflowed that day as the victim attempted to cross.

Search and retrieval operations are ongoing.

Data from the Office of Civil Defense–Negros Island Region (OCD–NIR) showed that Tropical Storm Verbena forced the preemptive evacuation of 951 families, totaling 3,218 individuals, as of late Tuesday night.

Additionally, 161 passengers were stranded at various seaports in the province due to the storm.

Earlier this month, Typhoon Tino severely impacted Canlaon City, where flash floods claimed more than 10 lives.