Picnicker drowns in Nueva Era falls

NUEVA ERA, Ilocos Norte, July 15–Jessimar Sarte of Sinait, Ilocos Sur allegedly drowned while swimming in the Pia-aw Falls at Brgy. Barangobong, this town yesterday, police said.

Investigation showed that the victim and several friends went picnicking at the falls on Saturday.

At the height of fun, heavy rains poured while the picnickers were still dipping in the waterfalls.
The victim later was spotted on the brink of drowning.

A companion tried to rescue the victim but he aborted his try as he too nearly drowned due to the swollen water level.

A police team led by police chief S/I Suerte Ubongen and Salucag rescue team led by MDRRM officer Rufino Corpuz jointly searched the area and later retrieved the victim’s body the following day when the water level subsided. (tri-media report)