3 children, 2 others die after boat capsized in Cagayan River

Ilagan City, Isabela - Five individuals, including three children, died after their boat capsized at the Cagayan River in Barangay Naguilian Sur, Ilagan City.

Five others survived the incident.

Police said the victims, who were all residents of said area, went to the river to dig clams on Friday, July 7.

After collecting almost a sack of clams, they decided to cross the river to go home by boat.

However, when they were already on board, the boat gradually sank, causing them to fall overboard.

With the strength of the current at that time, the victims were swept into the deep part of the said river.

This caused five of the victims to drown, while the other five were able to luckily reach the shallow part of the river by swimming.

Among the casualties were Mervin Balubar, 36; Crisel Valdez, 43; Reniel Dela Cruz, 9; Mark E.A. Catolico, 6; and Andrea Balubar, 5.

Rescue 1124, along with some residents in the area were the ones who recovered their bodies after a search and rescue operation.

Their remains were brought to a funeral home in Barangay Osmeña, Ilagan.

Meantime, those who survived, as told by Ilagan police, are Ronaldo Ballesteros, 56, Beverly Alvarez, 16, Mary Joy Alvarez, 6, Cristine May Balubar, 9, and Angeline Balubar, 30.

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