3 drown, 1 missing in Zambales beach
ZAMBALES– Three beach goers died while one is still missing after they were swept away by strong waves while having swimming in the beach in Iba, Zambales over the weekend.
Iba Police chief P/Captain Alfred M. Garcia, identified the victims as Robert Tiongson y Camunias, 54, of Bgy. Sta. Barbara, Iba, Zambales; Geraldine Jumao-as, 54, and Miguel Jacutina y Baston, 55, both of Pandacan, Manila.
The body of Benito Salinas Jr., 54, also from Pandacan, has yet to be retrieved.
Initial investigation conducted by P/Cpl Raymond Wong, said a companion of the victims, Elissa Tiongson, told police investigator that at about 3:30 p.m. last Saturday she and the victims were swimming near the Funtasea Beach in Bgy. Lipay-Dingin, in Iba when she noticed that the victims were being swept farther away from the shore.
Seeing the four in trouble, Elissa said she ran for help. However, upon her and the rescuers’ return, the four victims were nowhere to be found.
After 30 minutes of searching, the rescuers found Tiongson, Jumao-as and Jacutina-Baston.
The three were brought to the hospital but pronounced dead-on-arrival.
Rescuers failed to find or recover Salinas. By Ruben A. Veloria
