CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela — An 18-year-old graduating student drowned on the Cagayan River in Barangay Carabatan Chica here on Saturday, March 14.
Police said the victim and two classmates went to the area to record a video for a school project. They decided to swim on the river before working on the school project.
The victim jokingly removed his shorts and lost his balance when he attempted to wear it and drifted into a deep part of the river. He does not know how to swim and drowned.
His companions sought help from a barangay tanod or watchman deployed near a bridge. He dived into the river to search for the victim but failed to locate him due to the depth of the water.
Barangay officials and rescue personnel arrived and the victim was located under a bridge. He was taken to a hospital where he declared dead.
Authorities reminded the people to exercise caution when going near rivers and other bodies of water to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sub-station here rescued five persons from drowning in the sea of Barangay Nibaliw Vidal, San Fabian, Pangasinan on Saturday, March 14.
PCG personnel mounted a rescue operation after a concerned citizen reported that five individuals were swept away by strong current while swimming.
Search and rescue operations were launched and the victims were located and brought back to shore unharmed and provided necessary assistance. (With a report from Liezle Basa-Inigo)