Three kids drown in Balara

Three children drowned over the weekend while swimming with schoolmates and friends in a river located inside the compound of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in Balara, Quezon City.

Police identified the victims as brothers Gonzalo Sumalinog Jr., 13; Gerry Sumalinog, 11, both of 115 Sitio Lambak, Krus Na Ligas; and Jenny Rose Baguiran, 9, of 22 Sitio Lambak, Krus Na Ligas. All three were students at the Quirino Elementary School.

According to PO3 Jun Mortel, the three joined with 10 other friends at the Sapang Tuklas in Old Balara for an after-school swim last Friday noon. While the kids were swimming, the waters suddenly rose and due to the strong current, three of them were washed away and drowned.

It was later found out that the MWSS conducted a "washing," referring to the release of water from its reserve.

Investigators said the bodies of the three children were recovered by the community police force of Barangay Pansol.

Mortel said that Gonzalo was the first to be fished out. He was found caught in a set of pipes along the river. The body of his brother was recovered nearby. Baguiran’s body was found near the Marikina-Quezon City boundary.

Investigators said the bodies sustained bruises in the head and body as a result of the impact of the sudden rush of water.

The MWSS strictly prohibits swimming in the particular area of the river because of the washing activities. While there are guards posted to keep away unauthorized persons, the children may have gained entry using another route. – Katherine Adraneda