Man missing in Lanao Norte flooding found dead

LINAMON, Lanao del Norte—The person reported missing at the height of flooding in a Lanao del Norte town on Saturday (Oct. 31) has been found dead early on Sunday (Nov. 1).

According to authorities, the missing man, Rogelio Pantilgan, a 35-year-old resident of Linamon town, went fishing at the river early on Saturday with his brother, Jenrel, 13 years old, when a rush of water swept him away.

A flash flood had caused the river to swell and overflow.

Jenrel sought help from the Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion, narrating to soldiers how he saw his brother slipping into the river as he tried to fight the strong current.

Mario Villaraza, a militiaman, said he and two colleagues continued a search in the river, which cuts through Purakan village, for Pantilgan until 6 a.m. on Sunday.

Villaraza said as they followed the river downstream, they saw a fishing gear, and farther away, Pantilgan’s body floating, face down.

Villaraza said Pantilgan suffered a head wound.

Villaraza’s group and volunteers carried Pantilgan’s body and brought it to Purakan village after a two-hour trek.

Pantilgan was a  contractual worker in the Linamon municipal environment office. He is survived by his common-law-wife and a daughter.

In the wake of the tragedy, Mayor Randy J. Macapil ordered all village officials to order residents to steer clear of rivers during heavy rains.

The mayor offered to finance Pantilgan’s burial and give P10,000 in cash as aid to his family.

TSB