Barangay candidate swept away by strong river current

A resident of Tuguegarao City, a candidate in the October 25 barangay elections, was reported missing after being swept away by the strong current of Buntun river in Cagayan province on Sunday. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported on Monday that 53-year-old Vicente Lattao Decena was looking for his carabao when he slipped and fell into the water in the river. Benito Ramos, of the Office of Civil Defense said the victim may have been catching fish (dolong) that is in season, or may have been involved in preparations for the storm. According to Senior Supt. Mao Aplasca, Cagayan provincial police commander, Decena was a candidate for the position of Barangay Kagawad in next week's barangay elections. Local residents in Tuguegarao City had organized search-and-rescue operations for Decena and have sought the assistance of police. The report said the river's current was strong at the time when Decena fell into the water. Cagayan is one of the areas placed under Storm Signal No. 4 due to typhoon "Juan." –VVP, GMANews.TV