AGUINALDO, Ifugao – Two farmers died while their two companions were able to cheat death after their motor boat sank in a river between the border of Asipulo and Aguinaldo towns recently.
Senior Superintendent Constancio Chinayog, Jr., officer-in-charge of the Ifugao Provincial Police Office, identified the victims as Maximo Pohnac Lagguy, 44, married, farmer, and Anthony Tiing Ngabit, 38, married, farmer, both residents of Brgy Haliap, Asipulo, Ifugao while he named those who were able to cheat death as Felix Balangon and Tonton Gumatin.
Initial police investigation showed the victims and their companions decided to go home to Aguinaldo town using a motor boat but prior to doing so, they first reportedly had a drinking session.
While en route to their place, the motor boat operator lost control of the same causing it to bump on the river bank before immediately sinking.
The two survivors were able to safely swim to the river bank while the fatalities drowned.
Rescuers were able to recover the lifeless bodies of the two victims several hours after the drowning incident.
By Dexter A. See