Three policemen who were on their way to serve a warrant of arrest on a shooting suspect drowned at the Apayao River when the banca they were riding capsized.

Their four companions, also policemen, as well as the boatman, survived.

Those who died were identified as Patrolmen Halteric Pallat, Resty Bayog, and John Lorenzo Togay-an, Jr.

The strong current at the river following successive days of rain was reportedly the reason the banca capsized.

Apayao Provincial Police Director, PCol. Arnold Razote visited the wake of the three cops to also give financial aid to their families.

Meanwhile, in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, the body of a man was found floating at a creek in Barangay Suyo.

The man was identified as Gerald Pacleb, 48, a fisherman and a resident of Sarrat.

Pacleb was reportedly confined at a district hospital when he disappeared all of a sudden.

Drowning was identified as cause of death.