VINTAR, ILOCOS NORTE - A-25-year-old construction worker drowned after jumping from the tower of Vintar Dam in Barangay Parparoroc last week.

The victim was identified as Jojo Agbayani, resident of Barangay Bacsil North, Laoag City.

Police investigation revealed that the victim had a drinking spree with his friends when he started jumping from the tower, approximately 30 feet from the irrigation water with 15 feet in depth, last Friday.

Agbayani did not float back up after his fourth jump.

According to Nestor Reyes, revenue officer of the local government of Vintar who called for help, it took 30 minutes before Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Council employees were able to recover the victim's body, but they were not able to revive Agbayani after performing Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

"Pinagbabawal naman namin talaga na tumalon sila from the tower pero pag nakatalikod na kami may mga tatalon pa rin," said Reyes.

[We have really prohibited them from jumping off the tower, but after we turn our backs, they still do it.]

The police cordoned the area and locals officials have ordered the closing of the dam for swimmers.