ILOILO — A 37-year-old laborer died after plunging from a bridge in Barangay Inaca, Cabatuan town on Monday morning, August 17.
Local residents discovered the victim, identified as John Kenneth Quilarto Calasagsag, a resident of Purok 5 in the same barangay, lying lifeless on the concrete surface below the bridge at around 6 a.m. He sustained severe injuries, including a wound to his forehead and multiple abrasions on his arms and legs.
Police investigations revealed that Calasagsag was drinking alcohol the night before the incident, starting at around 10 p.m. which may have contributed to his fall.
The Cabatuan Municipal Police Station (MPS) noted that the bridge, which stands about seven steps high, lacks safety railings or barriers.
Police Captain Mary Dhen Gerbolinga, chief of the Cabatuan MPS, stated that initial findings rule out foul play.
The victim’s family and friends also believe the incident was a tragic accident, noting that Calasagsag had no known enemies and was well-regarded in their community.
The incident has prompted local authorities to reiterate warnings regarding excessive alcohol consumption while highlighting the urgent need for safety infrastructure along pathways and bridges to prevent similar accidents./PN
