By Jennifer P. Rendon
Authorities have recovered the body of a barge worker who went missing after he accidentally fell into the Iloilo River early morning of Nov. 4.
The body of Joeffie Tupaz, 29, a resident of Barangay Ayuyan, Passi City, Iloilo, was found around 5:20 a.m. of Nov. 5 near the Parola Wharf at Barangay Concepcion, City Proper, Iloilo City.
Tupaz, a crewmember of KKC03 Barge berthed at the Iloilo River, allegedly fell into the river while peeing.
Reports said the victim and his two co-workers got off the barge to drink liquor.
It didn’t take long before the three returned to the barge.
Tupaz’s companions went ahead of him while the victim decided to pee.
As he was drunk, he might have lost his balance and fell into the river.
His companions immediately called for assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard.
A search and rescue operation was conducted until 5 p.m. on Saturday.
His body was later found floating several meters from where he fell off.
