9 youngsters rescued after 2 hours at sea

CEBU, Philippines - Nine youngsters, four of whom were minors, were rescued two hours after their banca capsized off Lower Poblacion, Pilar, Cebu due to big waves last Tuesday.

The victims, all residents of Barangay Mahalit, Merida in Leyte, met the accident while they were swimming.

They were identified as Noel Serato, 20; Joefel Parilla, 20; Godfrey Delaganar, 19; James Serato, 18; Christian Orona, 18; Alexander Parilla, 17; Christian Alipar, 17; Khemmark Enero, 17; and Charito Delaganar, 16.

Police Officer 2 Adorberto Caba of Pilar Police Station said the youngsters were riding a banca going to the deeper part of the sea near an artificial fish sanctuary locally known as payaw.

While swimming in the area, waves suddenly became violent and overturned the banca which they positioned near the payaw. They tried to turn it over but failed.

The victims decided to hold on to each other close hoping that someone might spot and rescue them while floating in the water.

For about two hours, they were drifted away by the strong current towards Pilar, Camotes Island, where they were seen by Wendel Joyo, who was fishing near the area.

The victims were brought to Pilar Municipal Health Center for medical attention.

Eight of them were discharged from the health center the next morning while Noel Serato remained until almost noon due to over-fatigue.

They were then fetched by their parents and relatives.

Caba said the victims were lucky to have drifted to the area frequented by fastcrafts.

“Agianan man gud ‘to og barko ang ilahang gilutawan, maayo gani kay wala sila makasugat,” said Caba.  (FREEMAN)