Boy, 12, drowns in Medellin flood

CEBU, Philippines - A 12-year-old boy was found dead after being swept away by floodwater in Medellin town Friday afternoon.

Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez said the body of “Dodong” Torino was seen floating at Bangon Creek at around 5 p.m.

Ramirez said he was informed that the boy was seen playing at the creek in Sitio Comon, Barangay Daanlungsod along with seven others.

The water current was reportedly strong because of the heavy downpour that started Wednesday until Thursday morning.

According to Ramirez, the flood in the area would normally take two to three days to subside.

 “Gisugo daw to sila og pagpangumpay… Naa pa gyoy ubay-ubay nga tubig didto, salin to sa uwan. Kompyansa ra siguro sila nga nagduwa or nangaligo ba,” Ramirez told The FREEMAN over the phone.

He said the companions of the victim tried to save him but failed. “Gipugngan daw siya sa pito niya ka kauban pero naanod gyod siya,” Ramirez said.

The mayor said the parents of the other boys were also worried because they did not go home after the incident.

 “Ang mga ginikanan sa pagkahibalo nga nakit-an ang naanod nga bata, nangalisang pod kay wa pa miuli ang uban,” he said.

The seven, however, were found safely at the house of the grandparents of one of the boys in Guiwanon, Poblacion.

 “Tungod intawn sa kalisang sa pito ka bata wala sila manguli sa ilang mga panimalay ug didto sila nilargo sa balay sa apohan sa usa ka dapit sa Guiwanon, Poblacion,” Ramirez posted on his Facebook account.

The municipal government has assured financial assistance to the bereaved family of the victim. The town also sent a sack of rice yesterday.

Ramirez warned the parents not to let their children play in the area during bad weather.

Rene Rosell, the local disaster risk reduction and management officer of Medellin, said police have been sent to the area, as of press time, to investigate the incident.

On Thursday, seven fishermen in Aloguinsan town also went missing after an attempt to search the missing 63-year-old fisherman in the waters off Aloguinsan. All were rescued safely including the 63-year-old.

The incident happened in less than two weeks after three students of Calagasan National High School in Argao town were also swept away by a flashflood while crossing a river on their way home.

The victims were Ritchelle Pasaje, 15 and Caroline Marson, 15, both from Barangay Canbantog, and Earl Kyle Sarbido, 13, of Barangay Linut-od.

The Provincial Engineering Office has recommended putting up culverts in the area after an inspection.

Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora said the proposed project would be a joint und ertaking of the municipal government of Argao and the provincial government. — /FPL (FREEMAN)