Bantay-Dagat member found dead in the sea

A 78-year-old Bantay Dagat member was found dead floating in the waters off barangay Panadtaran, San Fernando town, yesterday afternoon.

The fatality was identified as Antonio Baysa Sr., a resident of the place and the father of Panadtaran barangay captain Catalino Baysa.

The town's chief of police, S/Insp. Antonio Cuyos yesterday told The Freeman that the fatality was on his way to an outpost out on the water about 70 meters from the shoreline, doing his duty as a Bantay Dagat member.

He said that Baysa Sr. went ahead of his group and walk to their outpost, when his group arrived at the shore together with the barangay captain they saw somebody floating as he fell out.

Cuyos believes the man lost his balance due to his old age and fell out of the outpost into the water. It was low tide during the time and he might have been dashed against the rocks in the bottom.

The Bantay Dagat member immediately brought to the shore and given first aid to no avail since he already no pulse.

The police are still investigating the incident to determine any foul play.

Cuyos said yesterday that the Bantay Dagat members are participating in the security measures for the ongoing Association of Southeast Asian Summit. - Norvie S. Misa