A 10-year-old boy drowned while swimming with friends in the Guintubhan River in Brgy. 1, Isabela, Negros Occidental, Saturday afternoon, Aug. 9.
The police identified the victim only as “Niko” of Brgy. 4, Isabela.
Niko was in the river with two other minors when he reached a deep section of the water and was unable to resurface, police investigation showed.
His friends immediately called for help, prompting a bystander, alias Alberto, to rush in and pull him to the riverbank.
Maj. Joseph Partidas, Isabela police chief, said the quick action of the victim’s friends in calling for assistance was crucial in bringing him to shore, but unfortunately, it was too late.
Rescue personnel brought the boy to the Ignacio Lacson Arroyo Memorial District Hospital, where he was declared dead.*