3 drown in irrigation canal

CAMP GEN. MARIANO N. LLANERA, Nueva Ecija, Philippines — A farmer and two security guards drowned in an irrigation canal in the Science City of Muñoz in this province on Monday.

Elmer Benavedez, Ruben Benavedez and Jomar Gobrin were swimming in the canal in Barangay Naglabrahan when they figured in the accident.

Investigation showed the victims were having a drinking session near the canal before they decided to go swimming at past 1 p.m., according to Col. Ritchie Claravall, Nueva Ecija police director.

Responding policemen recovered and rushed the victims to the nearest hospital where they were declared dead on arrival.