SURVIVORS CITE STRONG CURRENTS

A 21-year-old man drowned after being swept away by strong currents while swimming with friends at Busay Falls in Bani.

According to the Bani Police, they received a distress call from Calabeng Barangay Captain Paquito Ampler at around 3:00 p.m. about an incident of drowning.

One of the survivors, Jhon Joey Daragay, relayed to authorities that he and seven others, including Hero Barao, 21, John Philip Flormata Añonuevo, 20, and a minor, were caught by the fast-moving water while swimming at the falls.

A search and rescue operation was immediately launched at the site.

Añonuevo and the minor were rescued, trapped in a dense part of the falls, but were eventually freed. However, Barao was not found until the following day, when his lifeless body was discovered downstream.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by natural bodies of water, especially during periods of strong currents. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. (Ahikam Pasion)