A 44-year-old man was swept away by strong floodwaters in the Paninsingin River in Barangay Colongan, Rosario, Batangas, while trying to save his wife after their passenger jeepney was swept off a spillway.
The man was identified as Rene Lesitona, a resident of Barangay Mahanadiong, Taysan, Batangas.
According to information gathered by Brigada Batangas, Lesitona initially rescued his child, who was also aboard the jeepney, before returning to help his wife, who had been swept away by the floodwaters.
He was then swept away by the strong river current while attempting to save his wife.
The incident happened at about 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3, when a passenger jeepney carrying 14 people attempted to cross the spillway over the Paninsingin River.
Strong water currents swept the vehicle off the bridge and completely submerged it.
Twelve passengers were able to evacuate, reach nearby rocks and were rescued by local barangay personnel. Coast Guard medical personnel conducted initial medical assessments and monitored the survivors at the Barangay Colongan Barangay Hall.
The body of Lesitona’s wife was recovered the following day, about three kilometers from the spillway where the jeepney fell.
Lesitona’s body was later spotted along the river channel approximately three kilometers downstream from the initial spillway crossing. He was found dead.
The search and recovery operation involved the Philippine Coast Guard, MDRRMO Rosario, Philippine Army, local police and Bureau of Fire Protection.
Authorities used drone surveillance, riverbank searches and diving operations in the search.
Residents living along and downstream of the Paninsingin River were urged to remain vigilant and immediately report any information or sightings to local emergency responders.
