TACLOBAN CITY — A 12-year-old boy died after drowning while swimming in a river in Palo, Leyte on Sunday morning, March 22.
The victim, identified only as “Gino,” a Grade 5 student from Barangay Arado, was reported missing around 10 a.m. while swimming with two companions at the Bangon River.
Police said the children had come from fishing before deciding to swim, but the victim suddenly failed to resurface, prompting his companions to seek help from nearby residents.
A joint search and rescue operation by the police, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and local residents led to the boy’s recovery more than two hours later. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Authorities are also verifying reports that the victim may have tied a nylon rope around his body before entering the water. Investigation is ongoing.
(TROY B. ABARRATIGUE, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
