2 Albay kids drown in charcoal pit

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Two children drowned in a flooded charcoal pit during heavy rains in Bacacay, Albay on Thursday, police said.

Six-year-old Rey Molina and his three-year-old sister Rhia were playing when they accidentally fell into the pit used to make charcoal from coconut shells. The pit can produce 20 sacks of charcoal.

Their father Eric said he told his children not to go out because of the heavy downpour. But his warning was apparently ignored.

“How can we celebrate the New Year when we cannot even buy coffins for my children?” said his wife.