BY SHIELA G. GELERA
The body of a trisikad driver, believed to have drowned, was found in a river in Purok Maninihon, Barangay Pahanocoy in Bacolod City, at about 8:40 a.m. yesterday.
The victim, identified as Eric Barabad, 49, of Purok Mabinuligon in the barangay, was reported missing by his family members after he failed to return home for three days, P/Sgt. Roberto Gaurana Jr., duty investigator of Station 8, said yesterday.
Gaurana said the body was found floating face down in the river with bruises in his chin and right arm.
Investigation showed that, on Wednesday, Barabad went to the house of his classmate, whose name was not disclosed, also in the barangay, and asked if he could sleep there, but the friend refused, considering the rising cases of coronavirus disease, Gaurana said.
He also refused the invitation of Barabad to drink because of the liquor ban.
Barabad then asked him for money for his fare in going to Sum-ag, also in Bacolod, and the classmate accompanied him and left near the river, Gaurana said.
He said the family of Barabad told the police that the victim previously had a stroke.
The body will be autopsied to determine the real cause of his death, Gaurana added.*Station 8 photo
