BATANGAS CITY – A 19-year-old man drowned on a river while being chased by patrolling barangay tanods or watchmen in Barangay Pallocan West here on Thursday, April 18.
Police identified the victim as John Louie Aclan, alias “Sampu-Sampo,” 19, who reportedly was suffering from mental disabilities.
Investigation said Aclan was caught entering the barracks of construction workers in a construction site.
Aclan fled and was chased by barangay tanods. He jumped into a river to avoid pursuing tanods.
Tanods tried to rescue him but failed due to darkness. Aclan’s body was recovered on the river during a search and rescue operation.
The community and friends of the victim were deeply saddened by his death and described him to be cheerful, kind, and affectionate.
Lawmen are conducting follow-up investigation.