M’lang chief of police Senior Inspector Eldy Magbanua identified the victim as Remark Bergonia, 17, a resident of Barangay Poblacion.Magbanua said the victim was invited by his two friends, Rexon Guiquin and Naima Glugar, to refresh themselves in the river that had swollen due to the heavy downpour a day earlier.

Bergonia's friends told the police investigators that he swam in the middle of the river and suddenly disappeared when the strong current of water struck him.

Bergonia’s friends immediately reported the incident to the police, prompting the team of SPO3 Albert Claudio to conduct a search and rescue operation.

Bergonia’s remains were found two hours later in Purok 8, Barangay Inas, some two kilometers away from the Tinago River. (MindaNews)