By Freddie Lazaro
CAMP JUAN, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – A woman, who was gathering fresh water mollusks, drowned in a river located in Barangay 21, Sta. Maria, Piddig, Ilocos Norte on Saturday, May 23.
Police identified the victim as one Ligaya Hermano, 42, a resident of Barangay Bubuos, Solsona, Ilocos Norte.
Police said the victim and her neighbor, identified as Lydia Bagaoisan, 50, went to the river to gather edible freshwater mollusks, locally known as “tokmem”.
The victim was reportedly proceeding to the deeper portion of the river when she may have been dragged by strong undercurrent.
This prompted Bagaoisan to immediately seek assistance from the police.
Responding operatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and police immediately conducted search, rescue and retrieval operations which resulted in the recovery of the victim’s body at about 1:10 p.m.
The victim was brought to the Piddig District Hospital where she was declared dead on-arrival.