Beachgoer drowns, companion missing in Batangas

SAN PEDRO CITY –– Strong waves swept away two men off the beach in Lemery town in Batangas province on Sunday.

Major Alfie Salang, the town’s police chief, on Monday said authorities had recovered the body of Ruben Gonzales, 18, but his companion, John Michael Fabillar, 23, remained missing.

The two men, both from Taguig City in Metro Manila, were swimming at the Abaska beach resort in Barangay Nonong Casto past noon on Sunday when strong waves suddenly swept them into the deep portion of the sea.

Their companion, John Philip Tonido, tried to save his friends but when he could not, sought help from lifeguards.

Authorities found Gonzales’ body within the resort vicinity while search operations continued for Fabillar. Maricar Cinco /lzb

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