By Freddie G. Lazaro
CAMP PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur – Authorities are still looking for a teenager who was swept by huge waves at Puerto Beach, Barangay Calay-ab, Sto. Domnigo town, early afternoon on New Year’s Day.
Police identified the missing victim as Jay Besidas, 17, a resident of Barangay San Julian Sur, Vigan City.
Investigation disclosed the incident happened at about 2:15 p.m., with the Besidas diving into the waters despite the presence of big waves.
Meanwhile, two teenagers drowned while swimming in Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan on New Year’s Day, the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) reported yesterday.
Joven Canuela, 16, was swimming with his brother in Barangay Baquioen, Sual when he was dragged by strong waves.
Canuela was rushed to the Lingayen District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The other victim was identified as Romnick Gonzales, 21 of Salay, Mangaldan, who was reportedly also dragged by strong waves.
Rescuers from the San Fabian Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office found the victim at 3:45 p.m., rushing him to the Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City where he was declared dead on arrival. (With additional report from the PNA)