Ang Pahayagan

ZAMBALES- Four persons reportedly drowned while swimming at the beach in Barangay Lipay-Dingin-Panibuatan, Iba-town last Saturday, July 1.

Police identified the victims as: Robert Tiongson y Camunias , 54 years old, resident of Brgy. Sta Barbara, Iba; Geraldine Jumao-as, 54, of Pandacan, Manila; Miguel Jacutina y Baston, 55, of Brgy 851, Pandacan, Manila and Benito Salinas Jr y Silio , 54, and a resident of Zamora St Pandacan, Manila.

According to Elissa Tiongson y Camunias, she along with the victims were swimming and having fun at the sea shore of Funtasea Beach Resort but moment later, she noticed that the group of the victims were being swept by big waves away from the seashore line.

She also told investigators that the victims seem to be drowning which prompted her to seek help to their colleagues at the said resort.

Further investigation revealed that on same date at about 4:00 pm, three of the victims were found and were rushed to Zambales Provincial Hospital for medical treatment but the attending physician declared them Dead on Arrival (DOA).

Reports also added that search and rescue operation by combined elements of PNP Maritime, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of Iba, Zambales is still in progress for the remaining missing victim. (Ang Pahayagan stringer report)