56.-yr.-old gov’t employee in Tanudan swept away while crossing stream to go to work

Tanudan, Kalinga – A middle-aged government employee from Sitio Bawak, Dupligan, Tanudan was heading to work on Monday, September 30, when a tragic incident happened, leaving his family and community to search for him in the waters.

Bernardo Lingbawan, 56 left his house in Bawak early morning on Monday to report to work at the DPWH Kalinga in Bulanao when he had to cross the stream in order to get to his vehicle at the other side, PNP Kalinga Spokesperson, PCapt. Ruff Manganip relayed to GURU Press Cordillera, adding that at the time, the water level was high because of Typhoon Julian.      

“Agballasiw idiay waig kaso lang medyo dakkel bassit diay Biga Creek ken isuna gamin medyo agpilpilay ta adda iti first stroke na, medyo haan unay nga makapagna nga ustu,” Manganip described, saying that there was a foot bridge in the area but it is far away for him to walk.

The victim attempted to cross the stream but he was swept away by the waters.

With his car still on the other side of the creek, his family and the community were alarmed since he did not return home. This prompted the people to search for him until the following day, October 1, when they found his body at approximately 400 meters from where he was supposed to cross.

Manganip said that Lingbawan was already lifeless when he was found.