CONNER, Apayao – A 30-year-old miner drowned in the Matalag River in Sitio Cubet, Barangay Malama here on Sunday morning, March 26.
The Conner Municipal Police Station said the victim, Heltherman Ballawe Pallu-uc of Sitio Tagtag, Barangay Guinamgaman, this town, was having a picnic with his family when he decided to go for a swim.
Heltherman’s father, Jhonny, saw his son swimming towards the center of the river.
The victim waved his hand at his family but they ignored the gesture until he disappeared and nowhere to be found.
His family sought help from authorities who conducted a search and rescue operation and found the victim unconscious underwater.
The victim was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead.