GRADE 2 STUDENT DROWNS WHILE SWIMMING WITH FRIENDS IN ZAMBALES

BY KEVIN GALANG

A 12-YEAR-OLD boy who went swimming with his friends on Wednesday was found dead in the waters off Bgy. San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales.

The victim, a Grade 2 student, was a resident of Purok 6, Bgy. Antipolo in San Antonio.

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Penones Jr., the Zambales police said the lifeless body of the boy was recovered around 6:15 a.m. Wednesday off the beach in Bgy. San Miguel.

The victim was last seen swimming with friends on October 8. When he failed to return, his companions reported him missing to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

Joint search and retrieval operations were immediately launched by the MDRRMO, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and PNP Maritime Group, but efforts to locate the boy that evening were unsuccessful.

The following morning, barangay officials discovered the victim’s body floating in the sea. 

 He was later declared dead by Dr. Jerald John A. Quintero, medical officer of the San Antonio Rural Health Unit.

The victim’s identity was confirmed by his father.

Authorities reminded the public, especially parents, to closely monitor their children swimming along beaches and coastal areas to prevent similar incidents.