Photo courtesy of Santa, Ilocos Sur police

ILOCOS SUR – Two minors died in separate drowning incidents in the province of Ilocos Sur Monday.

An 8-year-old Grade II pupil drowned in the beach of Barangay Casiber in the town of Santa.

The victim, identified as Bryan Jay Villaruz, was swimming and riding a bamboo raft with friends when he suddenly jumped into the water. He failed to come out, prompting his friends to ask for help.

Police personnel and rescue teams of the town immediately conducted search and rescue operations. The victim was retrieved later and was rushed to Ilocos Sur District Hospital – Gabriela Silang but was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Patago siyang sumama, hindi siya nagpaalam sa amin. Pinagbabawalan pa siya ng mga pinsan niya na nakakita sa kanya. Napakahirap tanggapin ang nangyari, bagong taon pa naman pero nawalan ako ng anak,” said Susan Villaruz, the victim's mother.

(He went there secretly, he didn't ask us for permission. His cousins who saw him told him not to go. It's hard for me to accept what happened. It's New Year and I've lost a son.)

Meanwhile, in the town of Sta. Cruz, 15-year-old Kiannolin Legaspi was found lifeless on the beach area of Barangay Mantanas.

Investigation revealed that Legaspi, together with relatives, had their lunch at the beach.

They were swimming when suddenly a huge wave hit Legaspi, Simplicio Talangkay and Wilnie Oya.

Both Oya and Talangkay were rescued immediately and are currently undergoing treatment.

Since January 1, five people have died in separate drowning incidents in Ilocos Sur, including three victims from the town of Magsingal.