Fisherman drowns off Minglanilla

CEBU, Philippines - The body of a 28-year-old fisherman who reportedly drowned Tuesday evening was found the next day in the seawaters off Sitio Zetro, Barangay Tulay, Minglanilla.

The body of Ryan Dela Calzada, 28, a resident of Ward 1 Minglanilla, was found by authorities lifeless Wednesday morning after a whole night of search and rescue operation.

His live-in partner, Rhea Mae Unabia, 20, reported to the police station Tuesday evening that her partner was missing.

According to SPO2 Oliver Dacua, Dela Calzada was supposed to go after three other fishermen who were already out in the sea.

“Nag-una ang iyang kauban, maong niapas ni siya sa lawod kay naiwit. Nadala ni siya’s kusog sa dagat. Ang iyang mga kauban pud nakadungog nga naay nangayo og tabang pero wala man sila kita og asa,” he said.

After the three other fishermen found out that Dela Calzada was missing, they immediately informed the victim's live-in partner, who then went to the police.

They immediately conducted a search and rescue operation with the help of divers of the City of Naga Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, as well as concerned citizens and barangay officials.

Around 10:35 a.m. the next day, Dela Calzada’s body was found floating in the seawaters off Barangay Tulay.

Dela Calzada’s family is convinced that there is no foul play involved and that his death was purely accidental. (FREEMAN)