Man dies after falling into open drainage

MANILA, Philippines — A 25-year-old man died after falling into an open drainage system along Friendship Highway in Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City, Pampanga on Saturday.

The victim was identified as Reiner Novero, according to a report received yesterday.

Novero was walking along a flooded sidewalk at around 2 p.m. near a Korean store when he suddenly disappeared, Angeles City police director Col. Robert Domingo said.

His body was later recovered beneath a bridge in front of Mansfield Residences in Barangay Sto. Domingo.

Drowned in Bulacan

Nearby Pampanga, another man was found dead after allegedly drowning in a flooded subdivision in Bocaue, Bulacan yesterday morning.

Bocaue police chief Lt. Col. Gilbert Diaz identified the victim as a 53-year-old resident of Barangay Lolomboy.

Residents found the victim’s body floating face down at around 9 a.m. inside La Trinidad Subdivision.

Initial investigation showed that the victim had been drinking with his cousin at the latter’s house inside the subdivision the previous night.

Police found no signs of foul play. The victim’s relatives also voluntarily waived the assistance of the Scene of the Crime Operations team and an autopsy.

4 still missing in Tarlac

Meanwhile, four passengers remain missing after their vehicle fell into a river following the collapse of the Agana Bridge in Tarlac on Saturday.

The Philippine Coast Guard joined the search and rescue operations but temporarily suspended its efforts due to the river’s strong current and low visibility. — Evelyn Macairan, Ramon Efren Lazaro