Boy, 5, dies of drowning near RoRo wharf

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 5-year-old boy died from drowning near the RoRo wharf at Barangay Lapuz Norte, Lapuz, Iloilo City on the afternoon of Feb. 15.

The body of John, also a resident of Barangay Lapuz Norte, was recovered after he drowned and could not be revived.

According to reports, the boy went swimming with his 7- and 8-year-old cousins at around 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Going for a dip is something the boy usually did with his cousins and friends.

Shortly after, one of his cousins noticed that John was struggling to stay afloat due to a strong water current.

Residents tried to rescue him.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard were also called to help find the boy.

At 5:01 p.m., PCG personnel recovered the victim’s body.

They immediately administered CPR and subsequently brought him to St. Paul’s Hospital.

However, John was declared dead at 6:05 p.m.

It was gathered that the boy’s father was at work while his mother was in the hospital when the incident happened.

It was not immediately known who was looking after the boy at the time.

(PCG Photo)