River claims porter’s life

The murky waters of the Pasig River claimed another life Friday morning when a 17-year-old porter drowned after being accidentally shoved into the river by his companions.

Police said the lifeless body of Jerico Montoya, of 1323 Interior 14, Quiricada street, Tondo, Manila was retrieved by Coast Guard divers beside the Del Pan Bridge near the Baseco Compound in Intramuros, Manila minutes after he drowned in the river.

Investigation showed that Montoya accompanied his friends who wanted to take a dip in the Pasig River. The victim refused to join the others to dive into the waters since he doesn’t know how to swim. However, he joined in the merrymaking aboard a barge.

Witnesses said that a 12-year-old friend accidentally shoved the victim who lost his balance and fell into the river.

Montoya’s companions told police the victim shouted for help but they could not save him for fear of being dragged down to the bottom. Instead, they sought help from the police and the Coast Guard for assistance.

Police said they would turn over the girl to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development while waiting for the decision of the victim’s parents whether to file a case against her or not.

"But definitely the cause of death was accidental. This will be a juvenile case in case the victim’s parents want to seek redress," a veteran homicide investigator said. – Nestor Etolle