Five minors rescued from drowning, one ‘missing’

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Five minors were rescued while another was reported missing in a drowning at Sitio Pasil, Barangay Latasan, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental yesterday.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Petate, Silay City police chief, said they responded first because the incident was initially reported in Barangay Balaring which is under his jurisdiction.

Upon verification, it was later confirmed that the incident happened in Barangay Latasan which is near E.B. Magalona’s boundary with Silay City.

Petate said the victims, along with 24 others who are mostly minors, went on an excursion in relation to a Church activity for the youth.

The victims were swimming when huge waves due to high tide swept them away.

Petate said the five survivors were rescued by their companions and were rushed to a hospital.

One of them was reported critical, the police chief added.

Petate said the incident was already turned over to E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station for further investigation.