PALO, Leyte – A four-year old boy drowned after the boat they were riding in capsized in the waters off the municipality of Oras, Eastern Samar, a report from the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) based in Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetic, this town, said on Monday, January 11.
PRO 8 Regional Information Officer Lt. Col. Ma. Bella Rentuaya identified the drowning victim as Yanz Ravas, who was with three others onboard the motorboat.
The boy’s companions, who all survived, were identified as Ryan Caspe, 39; Ginalyn Ravas, 42, and Hazel Ruth Campoto, 12. They were all residents of Barangay 5, San Policarpio, Eastern Samar.
Rentuaya told The Manila Bulletin the victims were onboard a motorboat in the waters off Barangay Saugan Oguis island in Oras, Eastern Samar, last Saturday, January 9, when they encountered strong winds and huge waves.
She said, based on the investigation conducted by Oras Municipal Police Station, the motorboat left Dolores town and was headed to San Policarpio town when the accident happened.
Due to the rough seas, the boat capsized, resulting in the drowning of the young boy, according to Rentuaya.
She said the victims were rescued by fisherman Joselito Tomenio, who also assisted in bringing the survivors to the San Policarpio Rural Health Unit for medical attention.