2 graduating students drown in Ungga Falls in Baras, Rizal

Two male graduating students drowned in Ungga Falls in Baras, Rizal after they reached the deep part of the falls. 

According to EJ Gomez’s report in Unang Balita on Thursday, police investigation showed that four students decided to unwind in the falls on Monday after receiving their medical certificates for their work immersion. 

One of them immediately jumped into the waters where he got into a deep portion. His classmate tried to rescue him, but both of them drowned. 

“Parehas na po silang napunta sa medyo malalim. Sa kasamaang palad, itong apat na magkakaklase, ay hindi naman pala ganoon na marunong lumangoy,” said Police Major Robert Papa, Baras Municipal Police Station chief. 

(Both of them got into the deep portion of the falls. Unfortunately, all four of these students do not know how to swim at all.) 

It took hours before the rescuers were able to retrieve their bodies due to the strong current. The two victims, aged 17 and 18 years old, were both declared dead on arrival in the hospital. 

The family of the victims are saddened with their unfortunate deaths as they are expected to graduate from senior high school three months from now. 

The father of John Mike Pacion, the victim who tried to rescue his classmate, is still proud of his son’s selfless act. 

“Sobrang sakit, ayun nga wala na siya. Pero di siya nagdalawang isip na iligtas yung isa..kahit ikakapahamak niya. Proud na rin, pero siyempre malungkot. Mas maganda sana kung nailigtas niya sarili niya at yung kasama niya,” said Pedro Pacion. 

(It pains me that he is no longer with us. But he still decided to save someone even though it will also put him in danger. I’m proud of him even though it hurts us. It would have been better if he was able to save both of them.)

—Vince Angelo Ferreras/ VAL, GMA Integrated News