BAGUIO CITY — Fears mounted on Sunday that a 21-year-old man swept away by strong under currents during a picnic with four of his friends to Banao River in Bokod, Benguet last Friday had drowned.
Rescuers from the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) were still searching the expanse of the river for construction worker Jherby Halang of Tabangaoen, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Investigators said Mr. Halang and a 15-year-old girl were swimming around 11 a.m. when strong currents swept them to a deeper portion of the river. Mr. Halang was able to push the young girl to the riverbank, but failed to make it to safety himself, they said. — Artemio A. Dumlao
