Cagayan logs 4 cases of drowning during Holy Week

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Despite efforts by authorities to prevent untoward incidents during Holy Week, four cases of drowning have been recorded in Cagayan.

Three drowning incidents occurred within a day, particularly on March 29, while one transpired on March 30.

These incidents took place in separate areas in Cagayan – one each in Sta. Ana, Gonzaga, Sta. Teresita, and Lasam.

Drowning in Sta. Ana

In Sta. Ana, Cagayan, the casualty was identified by police as Elmer Villaspin, 35, a farmer and resident of Tamban, Alcala, Cagayan. It was disclosed that the casualty did not know how to swim.

Investigation revealed that the victim, along with his companions, was having a drinking spree when he decided to swim at the beach in Diora-Zinungan.

Minutes later, he was seen by one of his friends drowning. He was rescued and immediately transported to a health facility in the area but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Drowning in Gonzaga

Another family is grieving the loss of a loved one after a family outing turned tragic in a beach resort in Gonzaga, Cagayan.

The victim was a 50-year-old government worker from Baybayog, Alcala, identified as Rebecca De Leon. It was known that her companions decided to leave the water while she chose not to.

After an hour, some individuals were spotted performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on the victim at the seashore. She was swiftly ferried by Rescue 1025 to the Alfonso Ponce Enrile Memorial District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Drowning in Sta. Theresita

In Sta. Theresita, a minor, particularly a 9-year-old boy, drowned while swimming with his friends in a river at Sitio Kinali, Simpatuyo, Sta. Teresita.

Accordingly, he was swept away by the strong river current after diving into the water. Attempts to save him were made by his friends but were unsuccessful. He was later retrieved by a family member, and first aid was administered by the MDDRMO Sta. Theresita.

However, he was declared dead on arrival at the Alfonso Ponce Enrile Memorial District Hospital.

Drowning in Lasam

On Saturday, March 30, a 57-year-old man was swept away by the raging water current of the Cagayan River while gathering clams.

He was reported missing since then, and his remains were only found by authorities at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 31. He was identified as Jeorge Calixto, a resident of Abariongan Ruar, Sto. Niño, Cagayan.