POST-EXAM SWIM TURNS TRAGIC AFTER GRADE 9 STUDENT DROWNS IN PAMPANGA RIVER; CLASSMATE MISSING

BY KEVIN GALANG

CANDABA, Pampanga — A post-exam celebration turned into tragedy when a Grade 9 student on Thursday drowned while his classmate remains missing after they were swept into deep waters while swimming in a river in Bgy. Lanang, this municipality.

Based on a report submitted to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig Gen. Ponce Rogelio Penones Jr.,  the fatality, a 14-year-old boy, and his missing classmate, were both residents of Purok 4, Bgy. Lanang.

An investigation showed the two students, along with their classmates, went to the river to swim after their periodical examination at Lanang High School.

Witnesses told authorities they saw the victims slowly drifting away from the shore while calling for help before both eventually submerged in the deeper portion of the river.

The other Grade 9 students immediately sought help from barangay officials, who later coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Candaba for the rescue operation.

The  body of the 14-year-old boy was eventually recovered and was rushed to Candaba Community Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Search-and-rescue operations for the other missing student are ongoing led by personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard Candaba Sub-Station, MDRRMO Candaba, and volunteer responders.

Authorities reminded the public, especially minors, to avoid swimming in rivers without adult supervision due to strong water currents and sudden drop-offs in depth.