Teen drowns while saving two friends in river

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – A 14-year-old boy was considered a hero by many as he sacrificed himself to save his two friends from drowning in a river at Barangay Hawaiian, Silay City, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.

Earl Perales went swimming with his two companions in a river when the latter was swept by strong river current, according to Commander Ludovico Librilla Jr., head of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Negros Occidental.

When he saw his friends being swept by the river current, he rescued them but unfortunately, he did not survive, Librilla said.

The survivors were still in shock that’s why it took them a few minutes to ask help from residents in the area to rescue Perales.

Search and rescue operation was immediately conducted but Perales’ body was retrieved at the bottom of the river few hours later, Librilla said.

Librilla reminded parents to watch after their children to prevent a similar incident.