Search on for two missing Cebu residents swept by river

Cebu City (Google maps)

CEBU CITY—Two persons, including a nine-year-old boy, went missing after they were swept by strong river current following the collapse of a foot bridge in Sitio Riverside, Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City around 10 a.m. on Friday.

A search and rescue operation is now being conducted by personnel from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) to locate 26-year-old Arturo Cabradilla and the boy identified as Juros Taran.

Six other persons also fell down the river but were immediately rescued by some residents and the members of the CCDRRMO team, said Senior Insp. Henry Orbiso, chief of the Guadalupe Police Station.

The rescue people were brought to the hospital for medical attention.

They were identified as Nestor Taran, Renny Remorosa, Regie Remorosa, Benjamin Singson , Jun Niño Taran, 15; and John Taran, 7.

Based on reports, Orbiso said the eight persons were standing on a foot bridge that was made of coconut lumber while trying to catch a snake on the river.

Shortly after they caught the snake, the wooden foot bridge collapsed.

Barangay Guadalupe chair Michael Gacasan said in a separate interview that he remains hopeful that the two would be saved.

“I have sent a team to help in the search and rescue operations. We’re hoping we can find them alive,” he said. /jpv