Teenage boy missing after being carried by strong current in Cainta river

A 17-year-old teenager went missing last Wednesday morning as heavy rains pounded Barangay Sto. Domingo in Cainta, Rizal.

The family Brix Botikaryo feared that the Grade 12 student was carried away by the strong current after he supposedly fell in the river.

"Binabaybay lang po niya 'yung gilid kasi di po siya gaano marunong maglangoy, nabitawan niya 'yung galon... hinabol daw niya po," said Maricel Botikaryo, mother of the victim, said in a 24 Oras report by Emil Sumangil on Thursday.

Brix's parents were deeply worried about his condition, adding that he was the "hope" for their family as he has plans for his future.

"Mabait po siya, gusto po niya magpulis kasi Sir... Siya po 'yung inaasahan ko eh may pangarap po kasi siya. Sana Brix magpakita ka na kasi nag-alala na kami lahat. Magpakita ka na," Maricel said.

"Hindi ako makakain kasi di tayo kumpleto. Sana kung sino man po makakita, sana ipagbigay alam po," Salvador Botikaryo, the victim's father, added.

Authorities have conducted search and rescue operation for the teenager. They also coordinated with other municipalities in locating Brix.

"Sana sumabit lang siya pero sa lakas ng ulan nung July 18 ng morning, makikita namin sana nga di siya mapunta talaga sa floodway area," Eric Arevalo, chief of the Cainta Rescue Team said.

His family appealed to the public to inform authorities if they have seen or if they have information on the whereabouts of Brix.

"Yung anak ko po na nakahubad siya, nakablack short. 'Yun lang po. Sana po kung sino man ang nakakita, sana po eh ipagbigay alam sa GMA o sa munisipyo ng Cainta," Salvador said.

Meanwhile, authorities disclosed that the usual victims of drowning incidents in the river were those under the influence of alcohol or children swimming in the area.

"Lagi namin pinasasabihan dami pa rin nagsi-swimming doon sa riverways, sa creek namin. Pinagbabawalan na rin pala namin 'yung ibang tindahan na 'wag na magtinda ng alcohol," Arevalo said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News