69-yr-old missionary and 49-yr-old pastor drown in strong river current in Boliney, Abra

BOLINEY, Abra — A 69-year-old South Korean missionary and a 49-year-old local pastor drowned after they were swept away by the strong current of the Ikmin River in Boliney, Abra, on Friday, September 26.

According to a report from the Boliney municipal government, Hye Sook Byeon, 69, a missionary from South Korea, was swept away by the river current along Sitio Bani, Poblacion, Boliney.

Pastor Zosimo Gaano, 49, of Jesus Our Banner Community Church and a resident of Bangued, Abra, reportedly jumped into the river in an attempt to save Byeon but was also overpowered by the strong current.

The incident occurred amid heavy rains in the area.

The search, rescue and retrieval operation led by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) resulted in the recovery of Byeon’s body at around 2:39 p.m. in Sitio Paak, Poblacion.

Gaano’s remains were later recovered at around 6:30 p.m. in Bantay, Sallapadan, Abra.

The operation was carried out by the MDRRMC, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Municipal Health Office, Municipal Police Station, 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, 2nd Abra Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Bureau of Fire Protection.

Volunteers from the eight villages of Boliney also joined the search for the victims.

Public warned against swimming in swollen rivers

Authorities continue to remind the public to avoid swimming or engaging in other water-related activities in rivers when there are heavy rains, strong currents or rising water levels.

The Abra Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has previously warned residents against water-related activities along the Abra River and its tributaries during periods of heavy rainfall, citing the danger posed by rapidly rising and swollen waterways.

PAGASA likewise advises the public not to swim or boat in swollen rivers and to avoid crossing rivers or streams when water levels are dangerous.

For those swimming in rivers under safe conditions, it is important to choose designated or known safe areas, check weather and river conditions beforehand, avoid swimming alone, stay away from strong currents and deep or unfamiliar portions of the river, and follow warnings or restrictions issued by local authorities.

If heavy rain begins while at a river, swimmers should leave the water immediately and move to higher, safer ground. Sudden changes in river conditions can occur even when rainfall is not occurring directly at the swimming area.