Woman drowns while rescuing brother from swollen river in Davao del Sur

DIGOS CITY—Love for family defies all odds.

A 42-year-old woman in Bansalan town of Davao del Sur did not hesitate to jump into a swollen river to rescue her younger brother who cried for help on Friday night, Aug. 28.

Major Peter Glenn Ipong, Bansalan town police chief, said Melisa Barra Alforque of Managa village was coming to the rescue of her brother, Carlito Landas, 40, who almost drowned while crossing a river that swelled due to heavy rains.

However, the current of the rampaging waters was so strong that Alforque was swept away and drowned.

Chilla Geralla, Alforque’s sister, reported about her death to the police station on Saturday morning.

Alforque’s body was found floating several kilometers downstream, a few hours after she was swept by the flood.

Geralla said their brother whom Alforque tried to save survived the floodwaters.

CFC