Two friends drowned while swimming on the Magat River in Barangay San Roque, San Mateo, Isabela on Thursday afternoon, June 6.
Police Staff Sgt. Benedict B. Noto, officer-on-case, identified the fatalities as Ryan G. Tomas, 24, and Ronald T. Matias, 40, residents of Barangay San Andres, San Mateo.
Noto said that the victims decided to swim on the Magat River after a drinking session with friends. However, they were taken away by the strong river current and drowned.
Rescuers recovered the victims’ bodies and taken to a hospital where they were declared dead.
San Mateo Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Jovener Dupilas has placed the river under close monitoring following the incident.
He said that he is planning to coordinate with the municipal council for an ordinance banning drinking sessions on the Magat River to avoid such incidents.
Dupilas warned the public to avoid swimming while drunk on the deep portion of the river.