A Grade 11 student was found dead after her motorcycle fell into an irrigation canal in Sitio Maledda, Barangay Ipil, Tabuk City.
Earlier reports indicated that two students were involved in the accident, which occurred at a section of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) canal.
The first victim, 19-year-old Ashlyn, was rescued and taken to the hospital, while Grade 11 student Precious Kate was initially reported missing.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Cauayan, PCapt. Ruff Manganip, spokesperson for the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, stated that the victims were riding a motorcycle and on their way to a restaurant bar.
Authorities suspect that the driver, who was intoxicated, miscalculated a steep and curved road, causing them to crash into the NIA canal.
Ashlyn was rescued shortly after the accident, but it took a day to retrieve the body of Precious Kate.
The search and retrieval operation involved the victims’ relatives, Tabuk City PNP, PDRRMO, CDRRMO, KPPO, PNP-SAF, Army reserve forces, and barangay officials from Barangay Bulanao.
Capt. Manganip mentioned that this is not the first incident of individuals falling into the canal due to the absence of protective barriers.
Authorities are now urging for the installation of barricades along the canal to prevent future accidents.
He clarified that the police are taking steps to apprehend motorists driving under the influence, but some continue to evade detection due to the wide coverage area of their jurisdiction.