Dead PUJ driver fished out of Malabon creek
THE body of a 26-year-old public utility vehicle driver who reportedly jumped into a creek at the height of the heavy downpour on Sunday was retrieved by concerned residents Tuesday in Malabon City.
Malabon police chief P/Col. Albert Barot said the lifeless body of Jay Paul Maniego, resident of 29 Bisig ng Nayon, Brgy. Sangandaan, Caloocan City was discovered by Erlinda Teorica, 70, at around 6:40 a.m. floating on Tugatog Creek located along P. Concepcion St., prompting her to inform her neighbors who joined hands in retrieving the corpse.
Investigation conducted by P/SSgt. Jeric Tindugan and P/SSgt Jose Romeo Germinal II showed that the victim, while under the influence of liquor, was seen by witnesses climbing on the steel railing of Tugatog Creek in the midst of a heavy downpour on Sunday then jumped at around 3:30 a.m.
The victim’s neighbor Justine Lebandena, 18, who witnessed the incident immediately informed the family of Maniego, prompting them to seek the help of authorities.
Coast guard personnel and the Malabon Rescue Team conducted rescue operations but were hampered by continued heavy rainfall, prompting them to stop the search.
Col. Barot said Maniego’s family later refused and executed a waiver of investigation since they believe there was no foul play regarding the incident and their kin drowned due to excessive intoxication.
