CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Three children drowned while swimming at a beach in Calapan City on Thursday, Aug. 20.
Lt. Col. Michael C. Caraggayan, Calapan City Police chief, said the victims, an eight‑year‑old and two six‑year‑olds, had gone to Sitio Proper, Barangay Navotas, to celebrate a relative’s birthday.
At around 5:30 p.m., a relative noticed the children struggling in the water and unable to return to shore.
Companions sought help from the Calapan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, but the victims were declared dead on arrival at a hospital.
Police are investigating the incident and coordinating with the victims’ family for assistance.
Caraggayan urged parents and guardians to be vigilant in ensuring children’s safety at beaches, rivers, swimming areas, and similar places.