Boy, 9, drowns; tanod kills self

CEBU, Philippines- A 9-year-old boy drowned Sunday afternoon while swimming with his friends in a river in Barangay Cantu-od, Balamban.

Jovannie Bacus, resident of Sitio Bangbang, Barangay Nangka in the same town, was with eight other minors swimming in Combado River when he allegedly disappeared. Rescuers later found him dead.

Senior Police Officer 2 Ranielito Villarino, chief investigator of Balamban Police Station, said the victim’s companions sought the help of the residents nearby.

A search and rescue operation was immediately conducted but the boy was already dead when found past 5 p.m.

Villarino said the victim may have been washed into the deep part of the river. The police found no signs of foul play but the parents were advised to have the body examined to determine the cause of death.

Meanwhile, a barangay tanod believed to have been suffering from nervous breakdown reportedly committed suicide in Barangay Sunog Magsaysay, Balamban last Sunday.

Edgar Saga, 40, reportedly complained that somebody wanted to kill him and he had not been able to sleep for several nights already.

Saga reportedly went to the house of a barangay councilman where he shot himself in the mouth using a caliber .357 revolver.  (FREEMAN)