BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
An excursion among family members and friends yesterday ended in tragedy, after four members of the party drowned at the Kabilang-Bilangan Reef in Brgy. Sicaba, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.
Two of four victims were Marlyn Aguirre, 33, and her 15-year-old son, McJohn. The two others were Remymar Ocon, 31, and Michael John Merabe, 13,
Initial police investigations show that McJohn Aguirre, 15, was swept away by strong a current while going on a swim.
His mother, Marlyn, and their two neighbors responded by trying to rescue him. However, he and all his rescuers all drowned, after being carried away by the strong current, according to an initial report of the Cadiz City Police Station.
All victims were declared dead on arrival at the Cadiz City Emergency Clinic, police said.
Five other companions of the victims were also brought in for treatment at the emergency clinic, including a three-year-old child.
Initial reports disclosed that the victims rented a pumpboat, for an excursion at the reef watch tower, which is open to the public.*
