While Swimming at Ungga Falls, Two Senior High School Graduating Students Drowned
DROWNING INCIDENT – Two senior high school graduates tragically drowned while swimming at Ungga Falls in Baras, Rizal. The incident occurred on Monday at around 3 p.m. in Barangay San Salvador. A video of the rescue operation was aired on Thursday, showing the authorities’ efforts to recover the victims.
Before the tragedy, the four students, who were preparing for graduation, had gone to Ungga Falls after receiving their medical certificates for their work immersion. While swimming, one of the students ventured into the deeper part of the falls, soon struggling in the strong current. His classmate attempted to rescue him, but both were swept away.
“Nakita na lamang siya na nagkakawag at humingi ng saklolo. Siya naman po ay sinaklolohan ng kaniyang kaklase. Parehas na po sila napunta sa medyo malalim. Sa kasamaang palad, itong apat na magkakaklase ay hindi naman po pala ganoon na marunong lumangoy,” said Police Major Robert Papa, the chief of Baras Police.
The strong water current made it extremely difficult for rescuers to locate the students, and after several hours, their bodies were finally retrieved from beneath the water. The victims, aged 17 and 18, were declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
One of the victims, John Mike Pacion, a resident of Barangay Cupang in Antipolo City, was the eldest of two siblings. His family was devastated, especially since he was just months away from graduation. His father, Pedro Pacion, expressed his pride and sorrow: “Sobrang sakit. Wala na siya pero hindi siya nagdadalawang-isip na iligtas ‘yung isa kahit ikapapahamak niya. Proud na rin pero siyempre malungkot. Mas maganda sana kung nailigtas niya ang sarili niya at saka yung kasama niya.”
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