Body of girl swept by Ilocos Sur flood found

Rescuers from the Suyo police station in Ilocos Sur recover the body of a girl swept away Oct. 11 by floods due to Storm “Maring.” (Photo courtesy of Suyo police station)

LAOAG CITY—Rescuers in Ilocos Sur province said Sunday, Oct.17, that they recovered the body of a 9-year-old girl, who had been missing for five days after she and her 8-year-old brother were swept away by the floods last week.

The remains of Gwen Misha Mina were found Saturday at a river in the municipal boundaries of Alilem, Suyo, and Tagudin.

Gwen and her brother, Gab Merchanne, were swept away when floodwaters rushed towards their hut after Severe Tropical Storm “Maring” (Kompasu) dumped heavy rains in Poblacion village, in Suyo town.

The search would continue for Gab Merchanne, who remained missing on Saturday night, according to the Suyo police.

The body of Salvador Padsing, 67, of the same village, was recovered Oct. 13 in nearby Sta. Cruz town. Padsing disappeared on Oct. 11.

Rescue personnel said Padsing failed to return home after he went out to secure their piggery on the other side of the river. Reports said the storm swept away the family’s entire pig stock.

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