Angeles, Cutcut, Friendship Highway — 25-year-old man dies after falling into a flooded open drainage canal

📌 At around 2:00 PM on Friday, August 28, a 25-year-old Filipino man walking along the sidewalk of Phil-Am Friendship Highway in Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City, died after falling into a flood-submerged open drainage canal.
The drainage was part of a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) construction zone, and the government relieved two local engineers of their duties for negligence in safety measures.

■ Incident Details
· While walking with an umbrella on a sidewalk submerged by heavy rain, the man suddenly vanished near a Korean second-hand goods (surplus) shop. Captured on CCTV at 2:04 PM.
· Due to deep water and strong currents, the drainage opening was not visible. Two witnesses tried to rescue him, but they could not reach him.
· Found about an hour later under the bridge in front of Mansfield Residences in Barangay Santo Domingo downstream, but he was already dead.

■ Accountability Actions
· On September 6, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon immediately relieved the Pampanga 3rd District engineer and assistant engineer of their posts.
· Reason: Failure to comply with safety standards at the construction site. It was also pointed out that there were no warning signs indicating the open drainage canal at the accident site.
· Reports indicate that the bereaved family is considering legal action.

■ Notice for Expats and Travelers
· The Friendship Highway and Cutcut areas have many Korean shops and are frequently visited by expats. When heavy rain floods the sidewalks, the ground is not visible, so do not walk on flooded sidewalks.
· Construction zones may have uncovered drainage canals and manholes. If you inevitably have to walk through flowing water, probe the ground ahead with an umbrella or a stick and walk slowly.
· If you are with a child, hold their hand tightly and avoid areas with visible currents.

■ Sources
GMA News (8/30), SunStar (8/31), Philstar (9/1, 9/7), Inquirer (headline checked), Politiko (9/3, family legal action — confirmed by 1 outlet)

■ Photo
CCTV footage showing the man walking on the sidewalk with an umbrella just before the accident (GMA News, provided by a citizen)