31-yr.-old lawyer drowns in Calm Spring in Abra

Abra, Philippines – The serene atmosphere of Calm Spring in Sitio Matit, Barangay Patiao, Peñarrubia, Abra, was disrupted as a legal practitioner was discovered lifeless.

The local police said they received a call around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, alerting them to a possible drowning in the spring.

Upon initial investigation, it was found that the victim was accompanied by her driver, Voltaire Aquino Salvador, 36 years old, from Anonang Menor, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. They were in the area for a picnic.

Accordingly, Atty. Princess Caroline Nichole Ibarra, 31 years old, and a resident of Barangay Rang-ay, Sinait, Ilocos Sur, went to the spring around 5 p.m. to take photographs and swim.

“Nagpunta siya doon para magpicture-picture tapos naligo pero yung driver nga niya nahihiya kasi nga babae ang maliligo doon, dumistansya muna,” said Police Captain Ronaldo Eslabra, the Public Information Officer of Abra Police Provincial Office through Abra TV.

When the driver returned, he was shocked to see the lawyer drowning in the spring, which was estimated to be two-and-a-half meters deep.

He made efforts to administer first aid, but Ibarra was pronounced dead on arrival at Assumpta Medical Clinic in Bangued, Abra.

The victim was the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Her remains are now at their residence, while the police investigation is underway.