A 17-year-old boy was found dead in the irrigation canal of Barangay Capangdanan, Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

The victim was identified as Romie Castillo.

According to Castillo’s family, they started to worry when it was already past 10 p.m. and Castillo had not returned home. 

His clothes were found later near the dike.

The family believes that Castillo went swimming in the canal and may have suffered from a seizure. Castillo had epilepsy. 

“Kahit sa kakaunting tubig lang, pinagbabawalan ko siya kasi pag sinumpong siya ng kanyang sakit na epilepsy [delikado],” Michelle Castillo, the victim's mother, said.

“Nakita ko [siya nung] inikot ko yung area mismo, nakita ko syang nakadapa, at kitang-kita ko yung dalawang paa nya,” Vincent Lopez, the victim's brother-in-law, said.

The victim was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

“Ina-assess yung victim sa nagco-conduct ng CPR… noong makita naman iyong biktima ay no signs of life na [ay tumigil na],” Jerome Barroga, the team leader of MDRRMC Bantay, said,

The family is, as of this writing, seeking assistance for Castillo’s burial.

Meanwhile, in Laoag City, a 19-year-old boy also drowned in the river. 

The victim reportedly went drinking with coworkers and agreed to go fishing. 

He reportedly went to a deep part of the river where he couldn't swim.