Mother, son drown in Biliran while gathering shellfish

TACLOBAN CITY — A 33-year-old woman and her six-year-old son drowned after being swept away by strong currents while gathering shellfish in the coast of Barangay Balaquid, Cabucgayan town in Biliran on Thursday evening, June 25.

The victims were identified as Elsa Esconejos, 33, and her son, Jordan Esconejos, 6, both residents of the barangay.

According to the Coast Guard Station Biliran, the incident occurred at around 8:30 p.m. when the victims, who were reportedly non-swimmers, ventured into the waters to gather shellfish for their meal. 

Initial investigation showed that a sudden squall struck the area, producing strong currents and large waves that carried them into the deep waters.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Cabucgayan reported the incident to the authorities, prompting personnel from Coast Guard Sub-Station Cabucgayan to respond.

Upon arrival at around 8:45 p.m., responders said Esconejos’ corpse had been retrieved.

Search and rescue operations were carried out for her missing son.

At around 9:02 p.m., the search team recovered the body of the young boy.

The remains of the victims were turned over to barangay officials at around 10:30 p.m. /apl