(Filed by Ahikam Pasion)

Two teens drown in Angalacan River

A fun gathering among friends ended in tragedy after two teenagers drowned in the Angalacan River in Barangay Gueguesangen, Mangaldan, on Saturday, December 13. The group, all residents of the barangay, had been swimming when they took a smiling “groufie” minutes before the incident.

The victims were identified as Oliver Erosa, 17, and Jhon Paul Natavio, 16, close friends who lived just a few houses apart. Erosa’s body was recovered on the day of the incident, while Natavio’s remains were found on Monday, December 16, during search operations. The tragedy was made more poignant as both were nearing their birthdays—Erosa on December 18 and Natavio on December 29. Their families appealed for prayers as authorities urged caution around river areas, especially among the youth.

*          *          *          *

Computer store robbed in Dagupan; nearly P1M lost

A computer store along AB Fernandez East in Pantal, Dagupan City, was burglarized early this week, with gadgets and cash worth nearly P1 million taken by an unidentified suspect. Police said the intruder gained entry by cutting open the galvanized rooftop using a metal shear, then ransacked the store in the early hours.

Based on the account of three employees from Basista, Mangaldan and Bautista, the suspect wore a black bonnet, black jacket and shorts, gray gloves, white socks and slippers. Stolen were P34,635 in cash and assorted electronics, including 17 mobile phones, two iPads, and two laptops, with total losses estimated at P842,371. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting follow-up investigations, while store management expressed hope for the suspect’s arrest and recovery of the items.

*          *          *          *

Rider dies in Asingan road mishap

A 32-year-old motorcycle rider was killed after colliding with a kuliglig (farm vehicle) along the provincial road in Zone 7, Barangay Carusucan, Asingan. Police said the motorcycle, which had no plate number, rammed the rear of the agricultural vehicle driven by a 36-year-old man, resulting in both drivers being thrown onto the opposite side of the road.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival due to severe injuries. The kuliglig driver sustained minor injuries, while the three minors riding with him were unharmed. All were brought to a local hospital for medical attention, after which police conducted further investigation into the incident.

*          *          *          *

Jogger dies in highway hit-and-run

A morning jog turned fatal after a man was struck by a speeding trailer truck along the national highway in Barangay Uyong, Labrador, Pangasinan, police said. The victim, identified as Cesar Javier, was jogging along the roadside when the truck, bound for the town of Sual, sideswiped him, causing severe injuries to several parts of his body.

The truck driver, a 50-year-old resident of Nueva Vizcaya, initially fled the scene but was later apprehended by responding police officers in neighboring Sual. Javier was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. Authorities are continuing their investigation.

*          *          *          *

Five vehicles in Pozorrubio road crash

Five vehicles were involved in a multiple-vehicle collision along the national road in Barangay Batakil, Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, police said. Initial investigation and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed a southbound van suddenly swerving into the opposite lane and slamming head-on into a northbound cargo boom truck.

The impact caused the boom truck to veer and hit a tricycle traveling on the outer lane, which was then pushed into a parked van. A multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) trailing the van also crashed into the same parked vehicle, completing the five-vehicle pileup. The drivers of the van and boom truck and their passengers were rushed to a hospital and reported to be in stable condition. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.