BY MAI LADIAO
ILOILO – Rescue teams from the Zarraga Fire Station, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Philippine Coast Guard-Dumangas Station launched a search and rescue operation for a 40-year-old man who reportedly drowned in the river in Barangay Balud II, Zarraga.
Police Master Sergeant Ryan Gayoma identified the victim as James “Pandoy” Castellano of Barangay Dongsol, Pototan, Iloilo.
“Rodgie,” a friend of Pandoy, recounted that his pal suddenly disappeared as they went swimming with the others at about 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25.
Despite their efforts to locate him and struggling against the strong current of the river, they were unable to find the victim as of writing.
“Rodgie” further revealed that Pandoy and his friends had been drinking at a barangay fiesta celebration before heading to the river./PN
