61-yr.-old farmer dies trying to help extinguish forest fire in Bokod, Benguet

Benguet, Philippines – A 61-year-old farmer died while trying to help firefighters suppress a forest fire that broke out at Sitio Poodan in Ekip village of Bokod, Benguet.

The victim, Johnny Alsem Baniwas, married, and a resident of said place, saw the fire around 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, his neighbor relayed.

The initial investigation by the Regional Public Information Office of PNP – Cordillera revealed ‘the victim volunteered to help in suppressing the forest fire, however, he was trapped when the fire quickly spread because of the strong wind and was unable to run fast because of the sloping terrain.’

It was around 9 a.m. on Friday that the body of Baniwas was found near a creek.

Authorities, meantime, are investigating the cause of the fire.

On March 20, a grass fire occurred at Purok 11 of Bakakeng Norte/Sur. A student said two minors were smoking in the area which allegedly caused the fire.

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