Boy lost in creek; found dead

AUTHORITIES found on Saturday the body of one of the two missing children believed to have been carried away by a flash flood that hit Upper Baliok in Talomo District, Davao City on Friday.

Superintendent Dionisio Abude, chief of the Talomo police station, identified the victim as Fernando Caitom Jr., 11, while Jomar Abequibin, 12, is still missing.

Caitom's body was recovered near Inigo Farm in Bago Gallera. Three other victims, who were rescued Friday, were identified as Dennis Marioz Quindo, 13, Kevin L. Ambe, 13, and Adrian Flores Sasutil, 20, all from the same area.

Initial investigation showed Quindo, Ambe, Abequibin, and Fernando were on their way home when they saw a man on board a motorcycle unable to cross because of the strong current in the creek around 4 p.m.

Police said the four rushed to help the man, but they were carried away by the rampaging water. Sasutil also tried to help but was also carried away by the current.

Marioz, Ambe, and Sasutil were able to hold on to the branch of a tree at the side of the creek, while the two others were swept away by the rampaging water.

The three other victims who survived from the flashflood were brought to Southern Philippines Medical Center.

Abude said rescuers found Gaitom's body around 6 a.m. on Saturday. Authorities are still searching for Abequibin.