BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES — The five children who disappeared after swimming at Taal Lake in Balete, Batangas, have drowned, reported by the Philippine Coast Guard.

According to the PCG, they identified the victims as Sherin Ashtrid Dela Rosa, 8; Jaime Rose Ann Jacutan, 12; Kurtney Prian Presas, 8; Rodney Mark Dela Rosa, 7; and Kiel Zackary Pasaron, 10. 

A search and rescue team was deployed by the PCG, with assistance from the Balete Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and local officials.

Dela Rosa’s body was discovered 10 meters off the Taal Lake shoreline in Barangay Looc, Balete, and around 15 feet underwater.

Meanwhile, Jacutan’s body was discovered after 10 minutes in the area.

On Wednesday morning, search and rescue activities continued, and officials discovered Presas’ body around 7:45 a.m. about 25 feet underwater and 10 meters away from the first two victims

Dela Rosa’s body was discovered in the same spot five minutes later.

Pasaron’s body was discovered in the area at 9:47 a.m. by search and retrieval personnel.

Due to past drowning events, Barangay Looc has previously posted a notice at the entrance of the river flowing into Taal Lake prohibiting swimming.

Ruben Presas, the children’s grandfather, said he took them to Taal Lake but warned them not to go to the river’s mouth since it is illegal. He also stated that he instructed them not to swim till they arrived with them.

Presas stated that he dropped off Sherin, Jamie Rose Ann, and three boys aged 7, 8, and 10 in another location. He was devastated to find that they had gone swimming in the prohibited area.

Meanwhile, Elizalde Presas, the father of two of the children, claimed he had no idea his children would be taken to Taal Lake with other relatives.

According to barangay officials, the mayor has stated that the restricted area will be padlocked to prevent the public from entering. – WhatALife!

Source: (gmanetwork.com, mb.com) 

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