5 drown in Surigao del Sur beach

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Five people drowned while swimming at a popular beach in Lianga, Surigao del Sur on Wednesday, the police said Thursday.

The victims were farmers from the remote village of Santiago in San Luis town in Agusan del Sur, who were attending a birthday beach party.

They were swimming about 20 meters from the seashore when they drowned.

Police Officer 2 Mark Brian Tindugan of the Lianga police’s community relations office, identified the victims as Joseph Cajotol,34; Fernando Besing, 24, Ronaldo Baghucan, 19; Alvin Almosera, 19; and Ronald Lagata.

The lone survivor, Dalman Busano, told a local TV station that the seawater suddenly rose and engulfed him and his companions. He said they had difficulty reaching the shallow portion of the beach as most of them had little swimming skills.

Busano, who invited the victims for the birthday party of his son, admitted that they had alcohol before they went swimming but insisted they were not drunk.

Tindugan said investigation showed the victims went to swim after having their lunch, not realizing that the high tide had started. /je