ARINGAY, La Union – A police officer drowned while patrolling the sea of this town amid bad weather caused by tropical storm “Kristine” on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Police identified the victim as Police Executive Master Sergeant Edison S. Rivera, 50, leader of the Maritime Law Enforcement Team of the Philippine National Police-Maritime Unit based in Aringay.
Investigation said the victim and his three companions – Police Staff Sgt. Marlon C. Picpican, 46, also a member of the PNP Maritime Unit; and Bantay Dagat members Diomedes A. Dulay, 65, and Edmund Ninobla, 37 – were conducting a seaborne patrol onboard a motorbanca when it stalled and capsized by big waves 150 meters away from the shoreline.
They swam to shore but the victim reportedly felt dizzy and drowned. Rivera was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
Meanwhile, a construction worker drowned while fishing on the Bislak River in Vintar, Ilocos Norte on Monday, Oct. 21.
The body of Jaime M. Agcaoili was recovered the following day.