ANTIQUE – Search and rescue (SAR) operations are still underway for two men who went missing after a flashflood struck the municipality of Sebaste here on July 16.
Michael Tolentino, Officer III of the Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), identified the missing individuals as Leonardo Alabog and Allan Zona, both residents of Sitio Banglid, Barangay Bacalan.
According to reports, the two victims had spent the night at the riverside home of their friend, Sebastian Alocilja. Around 2 a.m., they were awakened by strong, gushing floodwaters. As they were attempting to evacuate, the flood swept away the house along with Alabog and Zona. Alocilja managed to survive by clinging to a tree but lost sight of his two companions.
Gov. Paolo Javier personally talked to Alobog’s sister, Maribilla Montojo, last July 18 after delivering food packs and rice to Culasi and Sebaste evacuees. According to Montojo, the last text message she received from her brother was around 3:20 a.m. saying that the water was rising around the area where Alabog was staying during the time of the incident.
“The SAR operation by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the police is still ongoing. We are appealing to residents: if you happen to see them or any signs, please report immediately to the MDRRMO or police,” Tolentino urged. (PNA)
