CALANASAN, APAYAO – Three police officers lost their lives after their boat capsized due to strong river currents in Barangay Lubong, Langnao, Calanasan, Apayao, on December 6, 2024.
The victims were identified as Patrolman Halterlic Pallat, Patrolman Resty Bayog, and Patrolman John Lorenzo Togay-an Jr.
Police Lieutenant Brendon Batoon, Deputy Chief of Calanasan Police, said the officers were part of an eight-member team from the 2nd Apayao Provincial Mobile Force Company conducting a follow-up investigation and serving an arrest warrant in a shooting case.
Heavy rainfall caused the river currents to intensify, overturning the boat and leaving five officers rescued while three went missing.
Authorities and volunteers recovered Patrolman Pallat’s body in Kabugao on December 6 and Patrolman Bayog’s in Barangay Musimut on December 7.
On the morning of December 8, Patrolman Togay-an’s body was found in Barangay Lower Atok, Flora, Apayao.
The remains of Patrolmen Pallat and Bayog have been returned to their families, with Togay-an’s body expected to follow soon.