4 drown in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY—Floods that followed heavy rains the past few days killed four people across the Bicol region, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Bernardo Alejandro, the OCD regional director, identified the fatalities as Antonette Miserilla, 30, and her 6-year-old son, Errol John, residents of Sipocot, Camarines Sur.

The woman and her son were riding on a carabao as they crossed a swollen river when they fell and were carried away by strong currents. Their bodies were found in Cabusao, Camarines Sur.

In Malilipot, Albay, police said Dennis de Lima, 24, drowned after he was carried by strong currents while swimming with friends at  Palale Beach Resort on Sunday. His body was found on the shores of Tabaco City.

Earlier, a fisherman from Catanduanes had been reported dead after he fell off his boat and drowned at sea.

Continuing rains have been keeping Bicol wet for the past few days. Weather specialists said it was due to a low pressure area over Puerto Princesa.

Alejandro said at least two persons were reported missing in Bulusan, Sorsogon, and Gigmoto, Catanduanes. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for four fishermen from Catanduanes and Camarines Sur who had been reported missing, too. Mar S. Arguelles, Inquirer Southern Luzon