Search and rescue ops on for man, kid who may have drowned in Agno River

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Search and rescue operations are underway for a 20-year-old man and his 10-year-old nephew, who were believed to have drowned in the Agno River over the weekend.

Police and firemen have been looking for Joshua Lagua and his nephew, Mike Ibos, who were swept by strong current as they crossed Agno River in Barangay Barangobong in Tayug around 4:20 p.m. Sunday, according to Tayug police chief Maj. Jose Abaya II.

Policemen immediately conducted search and rescue operations on Sunday afternoon but failed to find the victims.

Abaya said Lagua and Ibos were at the river to fish earlier that afternoon, together with Lagua’s brother, Jomark Lagua, 25.

As they prepared to go home after hours of fishing, Jomark heard Joshua shouting for help.

Jomark tried to save his brother and nephew but failed, saying the water was deep and the current was strong.

Abaya said the towns located downstream of the Agno River have been alerted about the incident. /kga