Tragic outing: 4 teens drown

DAGUPAN CITY — What was supposed to a fun day on the beach became tragic for the families of four teenagers — two siblings and their cousins — who drowned at the Tondaligan beach here yesterday morning.

As of press time, divers were still scouring the waters for the bodies of Romar Veloria, 15, who was to graduate from high school tomorrow; his brother, Rommel, 14, a high school sophomore, and their cousins Nestea de los Santos, 16, and Bernardo Ferrer Jr., 17, all residents of Barangay Doyong, Calasiao town.

An older companion, Toribio Tobia, 39, said the four teeners tried to cling to him but strong underwater current swept them away. — Eva Visperas