BENGUET, Philippines – A tragic tragedy befell six prominent photographers, killing two, while injuring four, after their vehicle was swept away by strong currents while crossing a river this afternoon, March 27, in Sitio Tabu, Barangay Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet.

The deceased was identified as Veteran Photographer Rodolfo ‘Ompong’ Tan, 68, a businessman, who was declared dead on arrival at the Itogon District Hospital, at around 3:35 p.m., due to traumatic injuries, according to initial medical findings.

The first person reported missing in the accident was Neil Clark Ongchanco, photographer of the Baguio City Public Information Officer, but his body was found at around 7:00 p.m., believed to have drowned after being swept away by water.

Currently being treated at the hospital are Ren Munoz, 45; Eliza Consul,59; Conrado Rotor, 66, retired school principal and photo correspondent of the Manila Standard; and Randy Benigno, 49, all residents of Baguio City.

Initial investigation by the Itogon Municipal Police Station showed that the victims were aboard a black Toyota Fortuner with license plate ZHE 432, coming from Tabu Elementary School, Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet, where they were conducting graduation pictorials as part of a outreach sponsorship activity.

The victims left the school to return to Baguio City, at around 1:00 p.m. while crossing the river, their vehicle was pushed by a strong current, causing it to turn and face the current.

The front part of the vehicle was lifted by the current and then fell before being carried about 100 meters from its original position, where it partially submerged and came to rest.

It was also reported that people who saw the incident responded quickly and were able to get the victims out of the vehicle and rushed them to the hospital.

According to initial information, the vehicle attempted to cross the river when it was caught by strong currents following a sudden rise in water levels .