ITOGON, Benguet June 07 – Three children died after they reportedly drowned while aiding each other along the Agno River, particularly at sitio Karil, Calew, Dalupirip, here, Friday morning.
Police authorities identified the fatalities as Kyla Mae D. Fernandez, Grade 9 student, Dickzy Mae M Catos, Grade 7 student, both natives of Ansipsip, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya and Angel Fernandez, Grade 9 Student and a native of Quirino province, all students of Bless His Place Academy, Inc. and all presently residing in the said school.
Initial police investigation showed that the three female victims, together with a male companion, also a minor, allegedly went to the said river to fetch some of their companions who went to gather pinewood.
However, the three victims allegedly went straight to the river to swim leaving their male companion beside the river.
Based on the eye witness account of their male companion, the three victims were already swimming when one of them was drowning that prompted her two companions to come to her rescue but unfortunately, due to their alleged lack of knowledge in swimming, they all drowned in the said river system.
Concerned residents and emergency responders were able to rescue the lifeless bodies of the victims and were rushed to the Itogon District Hospital for possible revival but the said efforts were in vain.
By Dexter A. See