BACOLOD CITY -- A 22-year old man sacrificed his life to save his six companions from drowning at a beach in Sitio Pasil, Barangay Latasan, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental on Wednesday.
Police identified the fatality as John Mark Dedoyco, a resident of Barangay 1 in this city.
Capt. Eric Doronilla, E.B. Magalona town police chief, said Dedoyco was just invited by one of the members of a church based in Talisay City to join the team building for the church youth.
Doronilla said about 40 individuals who are mostly minors, joined the team building organized by a youth facilitator belonging to the church.
The said activity, however, had reportedly no coordination with the Church and the barangay, since it's prohibited by the Church, the police chief added.
Doronilla said that of the 40 participants, seven went swimming. However, they were swept by huge waves brought about by the high tide.
Dedoyco reportedly rescued his companions including three minors aged 13, 16, and 17.
Doronilla said that Dedoyco failed to survive when he probably lost his energy swimming considering the strong current of the water.
Doronilla said the six rescued individuals were stable, although one of them was referred to a hospital here.
Doronilla said the minor participants in the activity were already turned over to their parents, while assessment is ongoing to determine the liability of the organizer.
The incident was initially reported in Barangay Balaring which is part of the neighboring city of Silay, but as it turned out, the incident happened E.B. Magalona town.