Authorities are now conducting a search and rescue operation after a 67-year-old barangay tanod (village watchman) reportedly drowned in Sitio Mina, Barangay Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal on Monday afternoon.

The victim–identified as Nardo Elig, alias Nalding, hog raiser, and a resident of Sitio Macaingalan, also in this barangay–was crossing the creek when he was swept away by the strong current.

Initial investigation showed that the victim, along with certain Jomer Elig and Luis Collentes, came from the barangay hall after attending the weekly flag-raising. As they were heading home, their motorcycle (kulong-kulong) broke down and the engine abruptly stopped at the top of the concrete bridge.

The victim's companion tried to fix the engine and eventually advised him to step down from the side car as they were about to push the vehicle to the other side.

At that juncture, suddenly a gush of water with bamboo roots struck their vehicle and the victim fell down into the other part of the creek. His companion attempted to rescue but the victim abruptly disappeared in the flood water due to strong current.