Fresh graduate drowns in river

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A celebration among friends turned tragic when one of them drowned in the Malogo River at Banilad 3, Barangay Nanca, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, last Friday.

Police identified the victim as 24-year-old Renz Llorente of Barangay IV, Silay City.

Police Captain Markelly Laganipa, deputy chief of E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station, reported that the victim went swimming with his friends when he drowned due to a strong water current.

Laganipa noted that it was also raining that day, which might have contributed to the strong river current.

The victim was brought to Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City but was declared dead upon arrival, according to Laganipa.

Laganipa stated that Silay police and rescuers initially responded to the incident, as the river also covers part of Silay City. It was later confirmed that the area where the drowning occurred was part of the adjacent town of E.B. Magalona.

In a Facebook post, the Silay Institute Inc. community expressed their mourning over the loss of Llorente, who had recently graduated from the institution.

The school mentioned that Llorente had just completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Office Administration.

“His sudden departure is a tremendous loss to his family and friends,” the school said in a statement, recalling him as a dedicated student with a vibrant spirit that inspired others amidst uncertainties.

“He exemplified resilience by staying on track despite the complexities he faced,” the school added. They extended their condolences to the victim’s family.

Llorente graduated on June 19. He was the first degree holder in his family, based on his Facebook post.