‘Intoxicated’ man drowns near Shell island

THE Easter Sunday celebration for a group of neighbors ended in tragedy after one of their companions drowned in the waters off Cebu City.

Police said Ernesto Billiones was one of the residents of barangay Ermita who swam in Shell Island around 5 p.m.

The victim’s companions told police that they saw Billiones waving his hands in the waters.

Abraham De Guzman said they ignored Billiones, thinking that he was just joking.

De Guzman said they continued swimming until they saw their neighbor floating on the water.

De Guzman and his companions brought Billiones to the shore. The incident was reported to PO3 Erwin de la Cruz of the Philippine Coast Guard who brought the victim to Pier 1.

Homicide investigators said the victim had no external injuries that would suggest foul play.

Police said the victim was drunk when he went swimming.