Teen drowns in Naga, Cebu; 2 survivors recovering

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The body of the teenage boy who drowned while swimming in a prohibited area in Naga City, Cebu, has been claimed by his family, while his two companions who survived the incident are recovering from the ordeal.

Lieutenant Colonel Dexter Calacar, chief of the Naga City Police Station, said in an interview on Monday, July 13, that the victim’s remains have already been turned over to his family.

Calacar said one of the two survivors was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, July 12, while the other had already been issued a discharge order and was expected to leave the infirmary on Monday.

READ: 3 lifeguards missed drowning girl at Naga resort, police say

Drowning incident

The incident occurred at around 1:40 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at the Fishport in Barangay Inoburan, according to a report from the Naga City Police Station.

The fatality was identified as a 19-year-old resident of Barangay Lipata, Minglanilla. He was declared dead on arrival at the Vicente Mendiola Center for Health and Infirmary by the attending physician.

READ: Naga drowning: Body of brgy. health worker who saved grandson from raging river retrieved

The two survivors were identified as an 18-year-old Grade 11 student and a 16-year-old, both also residents of Barangay Lipata.

Swimming in prohibited area

Police investigation showed that the three victims, along with four male companions, arrived at the area at around noon for a gathering.

After lunch, the group decided to go swimming.

Authorities said they initially entered a shallow section of the water before moving to another area where the water suddenly became deep.

Police said the incident occurred in a prohibited swimming zone that was marked with a warning flag.

The three teenagers were seen struggling in the water before they drowned.

Their companions immediately sought help from people in the area, who managed to rescue the two surviving victims.

Police said the 19-year-old was pulled from the water several minutes later and was rushed, along with the two survivors, to the Vicente Mendiola Center for Health and Infirmary.

He was declared dead on arrival, while the two survivors were treated and placed under observation.

No signs of foul play

Police said the initial investigation found no signs of foul play.

However, investigators have recommended an autopsy to conclusively rule out any possibility of foul play as the investigation continues.

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