Korean found dead at beach resort in Moalboal

CEBU, Philippines - A Korean national who was believed to have drowned was found dead at the Quovadis beach resort in Barangay Basdito, Moalboal town about 10am yesterday.

The victim was identified as Deok Ki An, 28, a native of Kangdong-go in Seoul, South Korea. He was temporarily staying in Cebu City and was a student at the University of the Visayas – Banilad Campus.

PO3 Rommel Gako of the Moalboal Police said the victim checked in at the resort with six friends and all of them reportedly went snorkeling earlier before the incident. They decided to return to their rooms after an hour at sea, but Deok reportedly went to the resort’s pool to continue swimming.

Later, one of Deok’s friends, Lee Son Woo, saw the victim already at the bottom of the pool, which prompted him to seek for assistance. The pool is about eight feet deep.

Resort personnel fished the victim out of the pool and rushed him to the Badian District Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival.

Gako said the victim reportedly was not a good swimmer and might not have noticed that he has already reached the deeper part of the pool.

The manager of the resort, Gurgen Ost, a German national, told The FREEMAN that they have “trained people” assigned to look after guests. These personnel are reportedly stationed at the diving shop. He said he was in a meeting with other resort personnel when the incident happened.

Gako, however, said that they did not see any lifeguard near the swimming pool during an ocular inspection of the resort. The so-called “trained people” are also assigned to assist guests who want to dive.

Gako said he was directed to investigate the case further, especially on the angle that the resort lacks measures that would ensure the safety of its guests.

Deok’s remains lie at the St. Peter’s Memorial Chapel. — THE FREEMAN