1 killed, 3 missing in Cebu flashflood

At least one person had died while three others remain missing after a flashflood swept away 12 river trekkers in Cebu province Saturday afternoon. The Sun.Star Online newspaper (sunstar.com.ph) reported that the incident took place in BarangayCandulawan, Talisay City, near the Candulawan River. It cited initial police reports that the group, which figured in the second accident in the last two days, may have been planning to hold a fraternity initiation in the area. As of Saturday night, only the body of fatality John Paul of Tugas, Pardo, has been found. The floodwaters carried his body all the way to Inayawan in Cebu City. Candulawan barangay captain Josefina Concial identified the three missing persons by their first names: Mike of Inayawan, Pardo; Marvin of Cogon, Pardo; and Jero of Bulacao, Pardo. She said the three may have also been swept by floodwaters to Inayawan. Rescued were Adrian Varquez and Rits Sabay; and Carlo Marinduque and Ernel Badayos of Tabucanal, Pardo. All were brought to the Talisay City District Hospital for treatment. They were reportedly found clinging to dangling vines along the riverbank soon after the river currents dragged them. Candulawan residents rescued the fifth survivor, Ronnie Verbosado of Tugas, Pardo, who also suffered bruises. He was taken to the Cebu City Medical Center, Concial said. Concial identified those who escaped unhurt as Jeyboy Gabuya, 22, Arnel Cabaluna, 15 and Jenoy Cabaluna, 21. The young men have been warned by some residents not to go the Ilaya pool because it was raining and floods could occur anytime. But trouble began when the group decided to take a dip in the Ilaya pool, the last point of the river, she added. Last Friday, two boys believed to be scavenging under a bridge along Maxilom Avenue in Cebu City were rescued after floodwaters swept them away. - GMANews.TV