BANAYOYO, Ilocos Sur – A 21-year-old construction worker drowned while retrieving his slippers thrown by his co-worker into a river as a practical joke at the height of tropical storm “Crising” here on Saturday, July 19.
Police Capt. Medward G. Galay, Banayoyo chief of police, identified the victim as Cean Ian G. Gadut.
Investigation said one of the victim’s colleagues took his slippers and threw it into the river.
The victim dived into the rampaging river to retrieve his slippers, with his colleagues ignoring and thinking he knew how to swim.
However, the victim was swept away by the rampaging water and drowned. His friends failed to rescue him due to the strong current.
The incident was reported to barangay officials and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) which conducted a search and rescue operation for the victim.
Rescuers recovered the victim’s body in Barangay Langlangca 1st, Candon City, Ilocos Sur and was taken to the Candon City General Hospital where he was declared dead.
Galay urged residents to avoid playing practical jokes on people to avoid untoward incidents.
A follow-up investigation is ongoing to identify who is liable for the incident.