Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
Father dies, young son still missing after Zambales river incident
A 35-year-old man from Botolan, Zambales was found dead Wednesday after he and his seven-year-old son were swept away by strong river currents while traveling by carabao-drawn cart. The boy remains missing as search and rescue efforts continue.
LSN Philippines ·
OLONGAPO CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed Wednesday that Simeon Candule, 35, a resident of Barangay Palis in Botolan town, was recovered deceased following the incident that claimed his life and separated him from his young son.
Candule was operating a carabao-drawn cart when powerful river currents swept the vehicle away on Tuesday, creating a desperate situation for both the father and child. The strong water flow proved too much for the man to control the animal-drawn cart as they traversed the waterway in Botolan.
Rescue teams discovered Candule's body on Wednesday, one day after the cart was swept downstream. However, his seven-year-old son remained unaccounted for as of the latest reports, prompting authorities to expand search operations in the area.
The incident underscores the dangers posed by strong river currents during adverse weather and water conditions in the province. The PCG and local authorities have continued efforts to locate the missing child and recover the carabao-drawn cart swept away in the incident.