4 drown in Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — Four people drowned in separate incidents in Bulacan and Cavite on Sunday.

Reports reaching Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., Central Luzon regional police director, identified the victims as Jonathan James Retobado and Jerome Chavez, who drowned in a river in Angat, Bulacan.

Meanwile, Danilo Barquio, 50, and his brother Henry, 55, of Muntinlupa City, drowned during an excursion in Tanza, Cavite.

Investigation showed Retobado and John Patrick Renzales were swimming in Angat River in Barangay Santa Cruz when they were swept away by the current.

Chavez jumped into the river to help Rebotado and Renzales, but he too was carried away by the current.

Renzales survived by swimming toward the riverbank in nearby Barangay Laog.

A local search and rescue team recovered the remains of Chavez and Rebotado, who were declared dead on arrival at the Angat Rural Health Unit.

On the same day, the Barquios were on an excursion at the Lito Beach Resort in Barangay Capipisa when they and their companion, Jemboy Perez, 25, were swept away by the waves.

Members of a local rescue team recovered their bodies and brought them to a hospital, where the siblings were declared dead on arrival. Perez survived.

Police said that prior to the incident, the victims were seen having a drinking session with their friends.