NEGROS Occidental – A 15-year-old boy drowned while swimming with friends in a river at Purok Malabago, Barangay Salong, Kabankalan City, on Tuesday morning, October 28.
Police reports said the incident occurred around 11 a.m. but was only reported to authorities later that evening, at around 7:30 p.m. The victim, a resident of Barangay Salong, was identified only as alias “Phil.”
According to Kabankalan City police, the boy was initially on the riverbank before he suddenly jumped into the water. His companions noticed that he was struggling and immediately tried to help, but they were unable to reach him due to the depth of the water.
His body was later retrieved and rushed to the Kabankalan District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Police learned that the victim did not know how to swim.
Authorities added that there was no indication of foul play, and the death is believed to be a case of accidental drowning. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
