Five minors drowned in Cagayan: PCG

March 2, 2020

Five minors drowned in Cagayan on Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard reported on Monday.

Based on an initial report, the minors went wimming off Cagayan River in Barangay Joaquin Dela Cruz, Camalanuigan, Cagayan around 1pm.

"According to the parents of the victims, the minors told that they will have a school practice," said PCG.

"However, when they found out that the school activity was cancelled, they went to Cagayan River for swimming," it added.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) the victims were walking to the river bank while holding each others' hands when they drowned after reaching a deep portion of the river.

During the incident a certain Louries Ann Rielo, 16, a resident of Barangay Mabanguc managed to swim to the river bank and rescued Christine Mae Aquino, 14, a resident of Barangay Bangkiling, Aparri, Cagayan. 

"Rielo and Aquino were brought to Cagayan Valley Medical Center for further psychiatric evaluation," said PCG.

However, Florbeth Ruatos, 16, of Barangay Pakak; Jenny Dela Cruz, 14, of Barangay Bukig; Irene Tubol, 16, Bernadeth Paet, 14, and May Tubol, 13, who were all residents of Barangay Mabanguc, Aparri drowned.

"The search and rescue (SAR) team of the PCG tried to revive the victims right after retrieval, but they were unresponsive," PCG said.

"Immediately, they were brought to Aparri District Hospital where the attending physician declared that the five victims were dead on arrival," it added. Robina Asido/DMS