Panglao diving tragedy Provincial Board probes into US cop’s death

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — The Bohol Provincial Board has started an investigation into the death of a member of the Dallas (Texas) Police Department in the US, and the injury of fellow American, who were hit by a speedboat while they were undergoing diving lessons offshore of Barangay Doljo in Panglao town on Tuesday.

The fatality was identified as 28-year-old Hans Adrian Campbell—from Grand Praire, Texas, US—who was in Panglao to marry soon his Filipina girlfriend. His injured diving companion was Norman Zheng, 29, of Las Vegas in Nevada, US.

Police said Campbell and Norman, both staying at a resort in Panglao, were taking their diving lessons along with several others when hit by the propeller of a speedboat belonging to the Oceanholic Divers.

The two victims were rushed to the Ramiro Community Hospital for serious injuries on the head and other parts of the body. Campbell died later in the hospital, while Zheng continued to be treated and is now recuperating.

According to reports, Campbell’s remains were already brought to Cebu City for the processing of its repatriation to the US.

Police arrested the speedboat operator, identified as 22-year-old Richie Cagandahan, a native of Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte, but is now residing at Barangay Danao in Panglao.

Cagandahan has been detained at the Panglao Police lock-up cell, with charges already filed against him before Prosecutor Marcelina Calamba Limpot of the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

PB Member Kristine Alexie Tutor, chairperson of the committee on tourism, in a privilege speech delivered on Friday, asked the legislative body to conduct an investigation into the incident, in aid of legislation.

Tutor wanted her committee to handle the matter, but Vice Governor Dionisio Balite, who was about to adjourn the PB on Friday, put the issue to the committee of the whole that he chairs but with Tutor’s panel still the lead group in handling the scheduled hearings. (FREEMAN)