ILOILO — The search for a missing Grade 11 student ended in tragedy after his body was recovered in a river in Barangay Cansilayan, Pototan, Iloilo at approximately 7:40 a.m. on Holy Wednesday, April 1.
Rescuers confirmed that the victim identified as alias “Jik-jik,” 16, was found in the same area of the river where he was last seen struggling on Tuesday, March 31.
Local authorities said a group of nine friends went to the river for a swim on Tuesday afternoon. The victim and three others later decided to attempt to cross to the river.
Tragedy struck mid-crossing when both Jik-jik and one of his companions began to drown. While the friend was successfully rescued by several people on the scene, the victim disappeared beneath the surface.
The victim, according to authorities, was a capable swimmer but he reportedly suffered a severe leg cramp while navigating the water, which prevented him from reaching safety.
Following this tragic event, local authorities remind the public to exercise extreme caution when swimming in rivers, especially during the Holy Week break when more people head to bodies of water to cool off./PN
