Drowning victims in Toledo Family to get Capitol assistance

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has ordered the provincial welfare officer to find out what assistance the provincial government can extend to the family of the four minors who were drowned in Toledo City last Sunday.

Garcia ordered Marivic Garces to get the facts about the incident for them to assess what type of assistance the Capitol can give.

The provincial government usually gives assistance either in the form of cash or relief goods to victims of tragedy.

Mae Ariate, 16; Jason Asuzenas, 14; and cousins Dindo and Joseph Blanco, 14, drowned in Barangay Dumlog, Toledo City shortly before noon Sunday while picking up shells.

The Blancos and Asuzenas did not anymore make it to the Toledo District Hospital. The doctors and nurses tried to revive Ariate who was still breathing when brought to the hospital but eventually expired.

The people in Sitio Sipaway Barangay Luray II, where the victims came from, blamed a “merman” for the tragedy.

Adonis Ariate, 12, who witnessed how his sister and two cousins died, said that he saw a “tall man” inviting them to come into the deep water by waving his hands.

He described the “tall man” as having big ears, long chin and bright eyes.

Adonis, who is still in trauma, said he tried to stop his sister and their cousins from coming into the water but he could not do it. A supernatural force is somehow keeping him from doing it.

Adonis’ grandfather, Flabiano Marata, 81, said the kid was crying all night after what had happened.

“Gusto siya motabang pero di siya kalihok, gusto siya mosiyagit pero di siya katingog gipugngan ba (he wanted to help but he could not move, he wanted to shout but his voice would not come out),” Flabiano added.

However, the people living along the shoreline where the drowning happened did not believe the story about a “merman.”

Tata Cagot, 37, who was among those who tried to rescue the victims, said they do not believe in merman because they have not seen one.

“Wa mi kabantay anang ukoy, di pud mi mutuo ana sukad ko nagmatngon ug buot (we have not seen a merman, we do not believe it ever since),” he said.

The Toledo City police said they also do not believe in it but they will respect what the family of the victims believes. – (FREEMAN)