CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela – A farmer and an octogenarian drowned in San Manuel, this province, and this city, on Thursday, May 9.
Police Major Jojo Turingan, San Manuel chief of police, said that farmer Junito Balbin, 35, from Barangay Esperanza East, Aurora, Isabela, drowned when he was taken away by the strong current while swimming in an irrigation canal in Barangay Santa Cruz.
Authorities found Balbin’s body on Friday morning floating in the irrigational canal after an overnight search.
Police said Balbin and his friends had a drinking session near the irrigation canal before the incident.
The other victim, Macario Faelmoca, 84, of Zone 2, Research Minante 1, this city, was found floating in a creek in Zone 1, Research Minante 1.
Police said the victim was allegedly crossing the creek with his walking stick when he accidentally slipped and drowned.