2 dead, 1 missing in flashflood at Catmon falls

CEBU, Philippines —  Two of the three persons who went missing after the violent gushing of rainwater in Catmon town’s Tinubdan Falls on Sunday have been found dead.

Authorities first fished out the body of 17-year-old Kent Jude Monterola at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, followed by their discovery of the body of 7-year-old Princess Monterola at 11:30 a.m. yesterday.

According to Patrolman Renmart Bantecil of the Catmon Police station, the search and retrieval operation for the body of Princess’ mother, Jacel Alastra, is still ongoing.

Bantecil said the family members  – 11 of them -- were having a get-together at the waterfalls in Barangay Tabili and were having a good time when water suddenly came forth gushing from uphill.

A drone video that captured the incident showed the victims standing on a rock completely unaware of the rainwater from the mountains, which eventually overwhelmed them.

Some of them were able to quickly move to a safe ground, but others, including Princess and Jacel, were swept away by the rampaging waters.

Kent was able to hold on to a rock as residents tried to save him with a piece of rope, but he, too, was eventually swallowed by the strong waters.

Cebu Police Provincial Office (CCPO) chief Colonel Engelbert Soriano said they are planning to recommend to the provincial and municipal governments the temporary closure of the waterfalls.

“Inaantay ko ang assessment ng chief of police doon. Tinitignan namin, pero wala pa kaming na-prepare na pronouncement. Ang sabi kasi umuulan daw doon sa kabilang banda pero wala doon sa area na yun,” said Soriano.

He added that they will deploying police augmentation to make sure that no individuals can enter the premises of the falls pending investigation. —JMD (FREEMAN)