Search and recue operations.* photo courtesy of Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz
A 12-year-old boy died after he suffered an epileptic episode and was swept away by strong currents while crossing an overflow in Sitio Mangahoykahoy, Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, Saturday morning, July 19.
Maj. Jun Ray Batadlan, Binalbagan Police Chief, said the incident happened around 7 a.m. amid heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression Crising.
Initial investigation revealed that the boy and his mother were crossing the overflow when the victim’s bag slipped into the water.
As he attempted to retrieve it, the child reportedly suffered a seizure and was carried away by the rushing current.
He was rushed to the Ignacio Arroyo Memorial District Hospital in Isabela but was declared dead by the attending physician.
Batadlan said the victim’s mother reported the incident at around 2 p.m. Saturday.*