The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extended PHP10,000 in cash aid to the family of a 60-year-old man who tragically drowned in the Chico River in Mountain Province during Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami). The victim, identified as Francis “Lacaben” Angel, went missing on October 24 when he was swept away by the strong currents of the river.
The DSWD announced that the financial support is intended to help the family with immediate needs and funeral expenses. The agency expressed condolences and coordinated with local officials to determine any further assistance that might be provided to the family in this difficult time.
The incident occurred in Sabangan, Mountain Province, where Angel was last seen near Barangay Losad. Witnesses believe he was caught by the river’s sudden surge, a result of heavy rains brought by the tropical storm. The Chico River, which runs through Mountain Province and connects to the Cagayan River, is known for its strong currents, particularly during severe weather events.
Search and Rescue Operations
Upon receiving the report, four teams composed of local volunteers, municipal and provincial disaster response units, and uniformed personnel were immediately deployed for a search and rescue operation. These efforts, led by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of Sabangan, commenced around 11 a.m. on October 24.
Search operations were halted overnight due to poor visibility but resumed early Friday, October 25. By mid-morning, the teams successfully located Angel’s body in Sitio Kidang, Bontoc, several kilometers downstream from where he was initially swept away.
Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. extended his condolences to Angel’s family and expressed gratitude to the volunteers and responders. He acknowledged the spirit of binnadang—the local tradition of community cooperation and volunteerism—that facilitated the timely recovery of the victim’s remains.
“The united efforts of everyone involved in this search and retrieval operation demonstrate the resilience and solidarity of the Mountain Province community,” Lacwasan stated. He added that the ongoing commitment of local volunteers, despite the dangers posed by the swollen river, highlights the community’s dedication to protecting one another.
DSWD’s Continued Support Amidst Storm Kristine’s Aftermath
The DSWD’s provision of cash aid is part of the agency’s broader commitment to supporting victims affected by Tropical Storm Kristine, which brought heavy rains and severe flooding across multiple regions. In addition to Mountain Province, several provinces received assistance as part of the department’s quick response initiative.
In other areas impacted by the storm, the DSWD has distributed food and financial assistance to displaced families, focusing on those in evacuation centers and individuals who have lost loved ones. The agency has also mobilized teams to assess further needs and ensure resources reach affected communities promptly.
Community-Led Recovery Efforts
The incident underscores the critical role of community participation in response efforts in Mountain Province. As in past calamities, residents quickly organized to assist in rescue and retrieval operations, showcasing the Mountain Province’s enduring community spirit.
The DSWD, local officials, and responders reminded the public to exercise caution, especially in areas near rivers and other bodies of water, during severe weather events. With tropical storms projected to continue affecting the Philippines this season, preventive measures and community readiness remain essential for reducing risks and safeguarding lives.
The Mountain Province DRRM office is actively monitoring the situation along the Chico River, and the Provincial Emergency Operations Center has alerted downstream areas in Kalinga to be vigilant.