Man drowns, friends think it was a joke

CEBU, Philippines - A man was found floating dead in the seawaters of Barangay Looc in Danao City late afternoon last Friday.

The man, identified as Rodulfo Rica Calderon, 46, was found dead a few minutes after he was seen by his companions struggling for help in the water. His companions reportedly thought he was merely joking.

PO1 Wendell Baritua of the Danao City Police said Calderon was reportedly drunk when the incident happened.

Investigation showed that the victim was drinking liquor with his friends and neighbors along the shore starting at since 2pm. Around 4 pm, Calderon walked to the sea and told his friends that he would go for a swim.

A few seconds later, Calderon was seen struggling for help, but his friends ignored him, thinking he was just joking again.

“Komedyante man gud kuno tawhana. Nagtuo sad iyang mga amigo nga nagkomedya ra siya nag-kampay-kampay nangayo og tabang (He reportedly often made jokes and his friends thought he was but joking when he was struggling in the water and calling for help),” Baritua said.

When they noticed later that Calderon had not surfaced, his companions went to the water and found him floating dead. They reportedly tried to revive him but to no avail.

A follow-up investigation will be conducted to determine the veracity of the witnesses’ accounts.

Meanwhile, a man is in critical condition after he was shot by another man in Barangay Biasong, Balamban town.

Domingo Hernandez was reportedly on his way home after taking a bath at a nearby artesian well at 9am last Friday when the unidentified assailant shot him before escaping.

The victim, who was hit on his shoulder and stomach, was taken by concerned citizens to the hospital where he is currently being treated.  (FREEMAN)