INITAO, Misamis Oriental — A tragic swimming incident in the coastal waters of Bliss, Barangay San Pedro, Initao, Misamis Oriental claimed the lives of two individuals, including a 13-year-old girl, after strong waves swept away four beachgoers on Thursday afternoon, May 8.
Authorities said one of the fatalities was a Grade 7 student and resident of Calacapan, Initao, whose body was immediately recovered following the incident. Her remains were later brought to Angel Spirit Funeral Homes.
Another 13-year-old girl from the same village survived the ordeal but remains under medical treatment at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital (MOPH).
Initial reports from the Initao Municipal Police Station revealed that the victims were swimming in the sea area of Bliss, Barangay San Pedro when sudden strong waves struck and dragged them away from the shoreline.
One of the victims was initially reported missing and was identified only by the alias “Bongkoy” Galarpe, a 44-year-old resident of Calacapan, Initao. Search and rescue operations continued throughout Thursday evening amid difficult sea conditions.
However, on the morning of May 9, authorities confirmed that the missing man was found dead after his body was discovered floating near the shoreline in the same area where the incident occurred.
According to Michael Van Villaroya “Cocoy” Jarales, head of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Initao, the search and retrieval operations faced major challenges due to strong waves and murky waters in the area.
Jarales said the Philippine Coast Guard initially returned to their station in Laguindingan after the first phase of operations but later prepared to return with divers because of the presence of underwater caves in the area, which complicated the search efforts.
Local fishermen in Initao also assisted responders during the rescue and retrieval operations alongside the Coast Guard.
Authorities have yet to release the complete identities of all the victims as of this writing.
The incident has once again raised concerns over safety in coastal areas, especially during unpredictable sea conditions, as local officials urged residents and visitors to exercise caution when swimming in open waters.