BONTOC, Mountain Province – The provincial government of Mountain Province (MP), together with the different national line agencies, were one in offering their prayers and empathy to the two drowning victims from Sabangan in celebration of the Day of National Mourning for the victims of Tropical Storm Kristine.
In the last two weeks of October, the province, along with the other places in the country, was faced with various challenges that were brought about by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which was immediately followed by Typhoon Leon.
On top of all the road slides and other damages caused by the two typhoons were the drowning incidents that took the lives of two males from Sabangan, which brought more distress and grief to many yMontañosa.
On October 24, 2024, amidst Tropical Storm Kristine, 60-year-old Francis “Lacaben” Angel was reported missing. He was believed to have been washed downstream by the strong current of the Chico River at around 11:00 a.m. that day. His body was recovered by rescuers at Sitio Kidang between Malitep, Balili, and Gonogon, Bontoc, on October 25, 2024.
Subsequently, on the morning of October 31, 2024, the news of another drowning incident involving 14-year-old male Juneil Crey Liwaliw Bagwan took the province by surprise.
According to the report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)Office, Bagwan was swept away by the strong current caused by Typhoon Leon. Bagwan’s remains were retrieved by rescuers on November 2, 2024, along the Chico River in Amlosong, Bontoc Ili.
In today’s Monday Program, November 4, 2024, Provincial Administrator John K. Likigan urged the employees of the provincial government and various national line agencies to stay united in praying for the souls of Angel and Bagwan and in offering their condolences to their bereaved families.
In addition, Likigan lauded the collective efforts of all the rescuers from the various DRRM councils and volunteers from the community.
In compliance with Proclamation No. 728 issued by the Office of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the flag was raised half-mast, symbolizing the province’s collective grief for all the victims of Tropical Storm Kristine and Typhoon Leon. By Hail, MP
