By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least eight people were rushed to the hospital yesterday after sustaining injuries when the cables of a hanging bridge snapped during a fluvial parade at Sitio Camugao in Kabankalan City’s Barangay 6. The incident occurred during the city’s annual Sinulog Festival.
According to Kabankalan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council head Elbert Javellana, four adults and four minors dropped around 20 meters into the Camugao River and were rescued by personnel from the city’s rescue unit and the Philippine Coast Guard.
The victims are currently being treated at the Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City.
Javellana said the 30-year-old steel bridge is not frequently used.
Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco said the city government will extend assistance to the victims, especially the minor who sustained an arm fracture.
He also ordered the bridge closed.
A new bridge, located a few meters away, was inaugurated about two years ago, the mayor pointed out./DGB, WDJ