Body of missing Korean found at Banaue falls

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Authorities have recovered on Tuesday the body of a Korean who was reported missing last Sunday after diving into a water falls in a tourist spot in Banaue in Ifugao province. Initial reports from Senior Inspector Donato Tagubasi, Police Community Relations chief of the provincial police force showed the victim, identified as Lee Kangyong, 29 year-old, a researcher from South Korea, was last seen diving at Tapia Falls in the town’s Battad village on August 15. According to Tagubasi, Lee’s body floated at about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday afternoon while residents and divers from the local police station were scouring the river for his remains. Authorities said the victim’s remains will stay for the night at the Municipal Hall pending an official disposition from the Korea Embassy in Manila and his relatives who have yet to arrive in Banaue. Local officials said no funeral services are expected for the victim because there is no funeral parlor around the area as locals shun the practice. — Floro Taguinod/LBG, GMANews.TV