2 drown, 3 rescued in beach party tragedy in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Two persons drowned and three others, including two children, were rescued after a birthday party in a beach resort in Oton town in Iloilo turned tragic on Saturday.

Senior Inspector Raymond Celoso, Oton police chief, identified the fatalities as Ervin Gabarra, 35, and Rodolfo Gabarra Jr., 46. The rescued were cousins Rodnel Gabarra and Mark Gabarra, both 11 years old, and Rodolfo Ladiana, 50.

The victims were among family members from Janiuay town in Iloilo who were having a birthday party at the Anhawan beach resort in Barangay (village) Poblacion in Oton, around 7 kilometers south of Iloilo City.

Celoso said the two children were swimming when they were swept by strong waves around noon.

Ervin, Rodolfo and Ladiana, uncles of the two boys, tried to rescue the children but they were also carried by the strong current.

Other family members and residents near the area pulled the victims from the water, according to Celoso.

Rodolfo was pronounced dead on arrival at the Great Savior International Hospital in Iloilo City while Ervin died around 7:30 p.m.