ILOILO – A 36-year-old man was found lifeless at the covered basketball court in Barangay Gua-an, Leganes, Iloilo early Monday morning, March 3, after allegedly participating in an extreme drinking challenge the night before.
The victim was identified as Joel Caturas, 35, and a resident of the town’s Barangay Guinobatan.
According to several residents, Caturas had taken part in a so-called “Ragaak Challenge,” a drinking game where participants consume large amount of alcohol as quickly as possible while being filmed. The winner receives a prize for consuming the most liquor in the shortest time.
During the challenge on the evening of March 2, Caturas reportedly drank a whole bottle of liquor shared between only two glasses, with no water mixed in. Witnesses claimed that he was dependent on alcohol, often experiencing tremors when unable to drink, and would frequently consume liquor without eating.
At around 6:30 a.m. on Monday, barangay utility worker Amalia Amullado discovered Caturas lying face down on a bench inside the covered gym while checking the garbage. She immediately alerted barangay officials, who confirmed that the victim was cold and unresponsive.
Caturas was officially declared dead at 7:30 a.m. by Dr. Zeny D. Dequilla of the Leganes Rural Health Unit.
Authorities believe the victim’s excessive alcohol consumption may have led to his sudden collapse and death.
Police add d his family believes there was no foul play and suspects that his drinking habits may have contributed to his death./PN
