Man drowns while gathering seashells

CEBU, Philippines - A 26-year-old man while gathering seashells drowned Monday in a river in barangay Biasong, Talisay City.

Police identified the fatality as Emerito Alcontin, 26, a resident of barangay Mohon of the same city.

Based on the investigation of the police, Emerito, his mother, and female cousins were at the place to gather sea organisms for dinner that day.

His mother Prena, 46, had noticed Emerito trying to cross the river.

Suddenly however, she saw her son struggling to stay afloat.

She immediately swam toward his direction and when she reached him, she pulled his hair to bring him to the surface.

When she realized the pointlessness of her action, she let go of him and shouted for help from fishermen nearby.

The fishermen pulled her and Emerito out of the water.

Emerito was taken to the Talisay District Hospital where he was declared dead. – (FREEMAN)