Two teenagers died from drowning in a waterfall in Sitio Ungga, Baras, Rizal on Monday, Jan. 20, the Baras Police said.
The victims were identified as John Mike Pacion, 18, and his 17-year-old friend.
Baras Municipal Police Station chief Maj. Robert Papa said the two boys, together with their two other friends, went to Ungga Falls in Barangay Salvador to swim and celebrate after obtaining their medical certificates which is part of their school requirement.
Based on the police report, the 17-year-old was the first to jump but was swept into the deeper part of the waterfall.
Pacion tried to rescue his friend but he also drowned in the process.
"Hindi na po sila nasaklolohan nung dalawa pa. Ito pong dalawa ang ginawa nila ay humingi po ng saklolo. Sa kasamaang palad, itong apat na magkakaklase ay hindi naman po pala ganon na marunong lumangoy (Their friends tried to call for help as they weren't able to save Pacion and the other boy. Unfortunately, the four of them were not that experienced in swimming)," Papa said.
The rescuers successfully retrieved the two boys and were immediately brought to the hospital where they were pronounced dead-on-arrival.