Tourist baby drowns in Negros Occidental a day before his birthday

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A family outing on at beach in Sipalay City here turned tragic after their baby drowned late Thursday afternoon, October 22.

The victim, Iadin Paña, was to turn one year old Friday, October 23.

Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, police chief of Sipalay, said the Pañas were visiting from Davao City to celebrate the young boy’s birthday. 

The victim and his 10-year-old brother both drowned, but only the latter was saved. The baby was swept away by strong currents.

The children, and their parents Lito and Floralyn, arrived in the province just on Wednesday.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing for baby’s body.

2 of 3 missing found

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Ramil Palabrica, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod, said that two of the 3 people who went missing in the waters of Negros Occidental on Saturday, October 17, had been found but one of them was dead. (READ: 3 missing in boat accidents in Negros Occidental)

Palabrica said that the body of Roselier Tan, 40, of Concepcion, Iloilo, was discovered at the shoreline of Esperanza, Masbate, Thursday, October 22.

Roselier Tan and his relative, Manuel Tan, were on their way home from Lakawon Island, Cadiz City, on a small boat when it capsized due to strong waves.

The cadaver of the victim is scheduled for transport Friday to Iloilo, he said.

Palabrica said that search and rescue is still ongoing for the victim’s companion.

On the other hand, the other missing person, 46-year-old Joseph Perinal, also of Concepcion, Iloilo, was found alive at Nagarao Island, Masbate, on Monday, October 19.

Perinal wasn’t able to return home from Victorias City after his small vessel capsized. He was reported missing by his wife.

Perinal will also be coming home today, Palabrica said. – Rappler.com