PCG: Two drowning incidents were reported earlier this week involving a retired police officer and a grade six pupil in Pangasinan and Antique, respectively.

The first victim was identified as Ferdinand G. Urbano, 66, and a retired PNP personnel. 

Investigations revealed that Urbano was under the influence of alcohol when he jumped off San Jose Bridge in Lingayen, Pangasinan and drowned. 

The incident was reported by Leonil S. Cruz of PDRRMC-Pangasinan to Coast Guard Station (CGS) Sual at around 4:00PM of the same day. 

The search and retrieval operations by CGS Sual and Special Operations Unit-NWLZN yielded negative result and was temporarily terminated due to unfavorable weather condition.

The following day, five grade six students of Zaldivar Elementary School went playing with the surge along the shoreline of Pandan, Antique. One of the students, April Bautista, 11, was caught in a big wave, drifted to the deeper portion of the sea and disappeared. 

While April's classmates screamed for help, no one among the nearby residents attempted to rescue her due to bad weather condition. The family of the victim then reported the incident to the nearest police station and the MDRRMC. 

Upon receipt of information from Arnold Demegillo of MDRRMC-Pandan, the personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Libertad immediately coordinated with Barangay Captain Estela Hindap of Brgy. Zaldivar.

The Coast Guard also advised coastal barangays and neighbouring areas to be on the look-out  for Bautista, and to render necessary assistance if sighted and to report immediately to the nearest Coast Guard Station and sub-Stations.