DOTC-PCG: Two members of the Saint Jude Parish Church in Tangalan, Aklan drowned during a rescue attempt while another was eventually found dead by the joint rescue team of the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Dumaguit and 611th Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) Squadron.

The incident was reported to CGSS Dumaguit by an unnamed concerned citizen who informed that swimmers drowned at the Green Meadow Beach Resort in Barangay Tawili, Tangalan last Monday, January 6.

Immediately, the joint personnel of CGSS Dumaguit together with 611th Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) Squadron and Tangalan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) proceeded to the said area to investigate and conduct rescue operation.

Investigation revealed that on January 6 at 10:30 AM, the Saint Jude Parish Church mass servers and followers celebrated their post Christmas party at the said resort. At 1:00 PM, a certain Renil Reprado, 26 years old, a resident of Barangay Mugin, Banga, Aklan was drifted to the deeper portion of the water.

Immediately, his companions, Romel Leyson and Joel Mejano rushed to rescue him. Consequently, Reprado and Leyson drowned and was found dead while Mejano went missing.

Rescue teams scoured the area in search for the missing person but yielded negative result. Search and rescue operations was suspended due to darkness and resumed the following day.

The body of Joel Mejano was retrieved approximately 30 meters in front of said resort yesterday, January 07 at 7:45 AM.

The cadaver was brought to Saint Peter Funeral Homes in Barangay Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan for proper disposition.