The body of a 13-year-old girl who drowned while swimming at a river in San Jacinto, Pangasinan was recovered around three kilometers downstream in Mangaldan.

The girl, Angeline Aquino, drowned on September 8, 2024 while swimming with friends in Barangay Casibong, San Jacinto.

According to the police, the strong current swept the girl away.

"Napunta sa medyo malalalim kaya bigla na lang siyang naianod," PCPT Vladimir Lalas, Deputy Chief of San Jacinto Police, said.

Efforts of the girl’s companion, Jamaica Aquino, were not enough to save Aquino.

"Gusto ko po sana siyang tulungan kaso ang hina ko na, hindi ko na siya maabutan," Jamaica said.

Angeline’s mother, Gedalyn Aquino, expressed her deep grief.

"Kung sa akin lang, hindi ko tanggap. Wala akong magagawa [kasi] andiyan na yan," she said.

Several hours after the incident, the girl’s body was found floating in Barangay Embarcadero, Mangaldan, about three kilometers from where she drowned. The river stretches between the two barangays.

Police urged the public to avoid swimming in rivers, especially during the rainy season, as waters can swell.

"Iwasan natin na maglaro o kaya maligo sa gilid ng rivers natin. Patuloy pa rin yung pagtaas ng tubig," Lalas said.