MALOLOS, Philippines – Four students drowned as they were swimming in separate rivers in Bulacan on Saturday.
Jaycie Ronwill Balitaosan, 19, of Meycauayan, and Jericho Burgos, 17, of Bulakan drowned in Bakas River in Barangay Matictic, Norzagaray town.
Prior to the incident, villagers warned the victims and their friends not to swim in the river, as the currents were strong.
Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat Jr., acting Bulacan police director, said the high water level and strong currents hampered the recovery of the victims’ bodies.
Meanwhile, Myka Nicolas, 16, and Nikki Cruz, 8, both of Barangay Capihan, San Rafael town, drowned as they were swimming in Angat River.
Caramat said the girls and their relatives went to the river to clean the village’s garbage truck.
The girls decided to take a dip, as their families were busy with their chores.
Nicolas’ body was recovered by members of a local rescue group while Cruz’s has yet to be found. – Ramon Efren Lazaro, Ric Sapnu