Lapu gov’t to look into tourist drownings

The Lapu-Lapu City Council will investigate the drowning of two tourists last Friday.

“Ako nang i-brought up sa City Council aron makahimo sab mi og separate investigation sa pagsusi sa mga facilities, mga lifeguard ug mga safety measures nga ilang gipatuman (I will bring this up in the City Council so we can make a separate investigation to look in the the facilities, the lifeguards and other safety measures that the resorts have),” ” said Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry Radaza, chairman of the tourism committee.

He said he will coordinate with Mayor Paz Radaza on the investigation of the incidents as Lapu-Lapu City  started its programs to develop new tourism products. “Definitely naa gyud tay buhaton kay makadaot man ni sa atong turismo.”(We should do something because it affects our tourism),” Radaza said.

Last Friday, two separate drowning incidents occurred, one in Lapu-Lapu City and one in Pandanon Island, Bohol involving Korean and Japanese tourists. Both however were staying in Lapu-Lapu City resorts.

The first incident occurred in Pandanon Island in Bohol where Hyo Sim Ahn,  a 63-year-old  Korean national was snorkeling with friends

He was found by a colleague floating and unconscious. Rescuers tried to revive him but were unsuccessful.

He was then transported by boat and brought to Mactan Doctors Hospital but he was declared dead on arrival. Doctors believed he had heart ailment or high blood pressure.

The other incident occurred in Talima beach resort in Olango Island at around 2:00 p.m.

Ken Ji, 39, a Japanese national, staying at the Anemone Hotel in Buyong Maribago was snorkeling  with two other Japanese nationals and a Filipina.

Minutes later, one of his companions, Therese Padilla saw  the  Ken Ji floating and unconscious 30 meters from the shore.

Some concerned citizens tried to revive him but failed.

He was then rushed to Mactan Doctors Hospital but he was declared dead on arrival.

Police’s initial investigation found no indication of foul play caused the victim’s death. /Norman V. Mendoza, Correspondent