A grade 6 pupil was declared dead on arrival after drowning in an irrigation canal in Sta. Teresita, Cagayan.
According to PSMSG James Allan Recolizado, an investigator from PNP Sta. Teresita, the victim was identified as Jong, an 11-year-old resident of Brgy. Villa.
Initial investigation revealed that Jong and two friends went fishing in the irrigation canal in the said barangay.
While his two companions went to search for leeches to use as bait, Jong stayed by the canal. A few minutes later, the friends returned to find him floating in the water.
The boys immediately informed a barangay official who was on duty, and the victim was quickly rescued and rushed to the nearest hospital.
Unfortunately, the attending doctor declared Jong dead on arrival.
It was later discovered that the victim had been suffering from epilepsy, and the irrigation canal is located around 300 meters from his home.
Authorities found no signs of foul play in the incident.