NATION

Missing drowning victim’s body recovered

Aldwin Quitasol · Sep 14, 2026, 10:21 PM

SEARCH and rescue operation is underway in Lubuagan, Kalinga, for a 20-year-old construction worker who was reportedly swept away by strong currents while crossing the Chico River in Begwang, Sukiap, Tanglag, Lubuagan on Monday. — Photograph courtesy of LUBUAGAN MIO

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -— Responders recovered the body of a 20-year-old drowning victim along the Chico River in Bantay, Tabuk City, on Monday afternoon following a hourslong search operation.

Authorities identified the victim as Jasper Cawi Pallogan, who was swept away by strong currents around 6:30 a.m. while attempting to cross the river near Begwang, Sukiap, in Barangay Tanglag, Lubuagan, Kalinga.

Responders recovered several of Pallogan’s belongings along the riverbank shortly after he fell, including his mobile phone, footwear, cap and bag.

The incident prompted response teams from the Lubuagan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Municipal Health Office to launch search and retrieval efforts. Local officials requested support from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Philippine Coast Guard to extend search coverage downstream toward neighboring municipalities.

Residents along the riverbank in Tabuk City spotted Pallogan’s body in the water around 4 p.m. and notified emergency services. Joint personnel from the PDRRMO, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Coast Guard retrieved the victim and confirmed his identity.