ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A student was reported missing while his friend was rescued after waves battered them as they were swimming here Monday.
Kassan Alih Limbuna, 19, an engineering student of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), is feared to be dead while Charlemain Corpus, 20, was rescued by their companions.
City police director Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro said the students, along with four others, were swimming at a beach in Barangay Maasin when the waves swept them away at around 1:45 p.m.
The local Coast Guard station conducted a search and rescue operation but failed to find Limbuna.
Meanwhile, waves swept away two houses and destroyed nine more in the village of Sinunuc at dawn yesterday.
Five other houses were damaged in a landslide that occurred in nearby Barangay Capisan, also yesterday morning.
Authorities said no one was reported hurt in both calamities, while three more villages were flooded due to heavy downpour since Sunday.
Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar ordered classes suspended in public and private elementary and high schools.
The Coast Guard also suspended Monday sea travel in this part of the region, leaving several passengers stranded.
Lt. Senior Grade Jomark Angue of the Coast Guard said they lifted the suspension yesterday morning but small vessels were advised to take precautionary measures as the seas remained rough.