Two persons drown in Holy Week outing in Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Two persons, including a minor, died in separate drowning incidents during the Holy Week in the province of Capiz.

A 37-year-old farmer drowned in Panay River at Barangay Garcia, Tapaz, Capiz on April 7, 2023 around 3:30 pm.

Elmer Cayetano Gabas of Sitio Arisgal, Barangay Cristina of said town was declared dead on arrival at Tapaz District Hospital.

Information from Tapaz Municipal Police Station indicated that Gabas was believed to be drunk when he went swimming in the river.

Gabas swam towards the deepest portion of the river where quarry activities were undertaken. He failed to surface from the water minutes later.

Barangay tanods (watchmen) and the victim’s relatives searched for him until they found him unconscious.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old student also drowned while swimming in a river at Sitio Siding, Barangay Balatucan, Panitan, Capiz Friday morning.

The victim (real name withheld) of Barangay San Agustin Dumalag, Capiz was with his cousins when the incident happened.

Investigation by Panitan Municipal Police Station indicated that the victim’s companions sought the help of local residents after the victim went missing.

The Panitan Emergency Action Team immediately conducted a search and rescue operation.

A few minutes later, the victim was found floating in the river and was rushed to Bailan District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.