2 BROTHERS FOUND DEAD AFTER DELIVERY TRUCK FALLS INTO FLOODED RICE FIELD IN PAMPANGA

BY KEVIN GALANG

APALIT, Pampanga — Two brothers were found dead in a flooded rice field in Bgy. Cansinala, Apalit, Pampanga, two days after the delivery truck they were riding reportedly plunged into the area amid heavy rains and strong floodwater currents.

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, the fatalities were identified as driver Rene Paloma Llena, 30, and his brother Remond Paloma Llena, 22, who served as passenger/helper.

The incident was reported to the Apalit Municipal Police Station on September 4 after patrolling police officers received information that two individuals were seen floating in a rice field along the Bypass Road.

Police immediately coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Apalit, and responders, together with personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard, proceeded to the area and conducted a retrieval operation.

The two bodies were subsequently recovered from the flooded area.

Further investigation showed that the victims had been traveling aboard a green Isuzu Forward truck with a PTG refrigerated van carrying 36 assorted motorcycle units from Calamba, Laguna to the company’s warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga.

Based on the report recorded in the Bgy. Cansinala blotter, a company liaison/admin/HR officer reported that on September 2, the truck accidentally fell along the Bypass Road in Bgy. Cansinala.

The vehicle, operated by Star Eight Express Transport Services, was reportedly being driven by Rene, with his brother Remond serving as helper.

Police said the truck encountered heavy rainfall and a strong current of floodwater, causing it to plunge into the flooded area.

Montejo later positively identified the recovered bodies as those of the two brothers.

Police are continuing to document the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.