BAGAC, Bataan – Police on Sunday reported that three persons drowned while bathing in the West Philippine Sea along three coastal villages in this town for three consecutive days starting on All Saints Day.
The fatalities were identified as Jason Manlangit, 26, vendor in Baclaran, Paranaque City; Mathew Plaza, 19, factory worker from Mariveles, Bataan and Michael Palalimpa, 19, of Malabon City.
Reports said that strong water currents pulled Manlangit who was swimming at a beach resort in Barangay Saysain Thursday morning and until Sunday could still not be located.
Plaza was among factory workers enjoying the waters in an open beach in Barangay Paysawan Friday morning when he likewise was sucked in by strong currents. His body was located Saturday morning some meters away from where he was reported drowned.
Palalimpa was among relatives in a family outing Saturday morning in a beach resort in Barangay Pag-asa when engulfed by strong waves and water current. His body was found a few hours after on the same day.
Randy Padernal, bantay dagat diver from Saysain, said their search for drowning victims was hampered by the condition of the sea. “Malabo ang tubig sa ilalim ng dagat at malakas naman ang agos ng tubig sa itaas,” he said.
This was confirmed by beach resort lifeguards from Pag-asa. “Biglang dumarating ang malakas na alon at napakalabo ng tubig,” Jerome Dometita said.
Barangay Saysain councilman Allan Baciles said the common cause of drowning in the area was strong water current and waves. He said there were still strong waves Thursday because tropical storm Rosita had just left.
“Ang payo ko sa mga bisita, medyo mag-ingat at huwag pupunta sa malalim na lugar,” Baciles said.
Undertaking the search and rescue were some members of the Philippine Coast Guard, barangay and municipal police, Bantay Dagat, lifeguards of beach resorts, Municipal Disaster and Risk Reduction Office and local fishermen.
