Siblings, aged 7 and 8, drown

CEBU, Philippines - A post-fiesta celebration of a family turned tragic as two of its members drowned in Barangay Bagatayam, Sogod town Monday morning.

Eight-year-old Cyril Armecin of Barangay Lubo went missing few moments after his younger brother, Paul Joseph, 7, drowned in the water in Barangay Bagatayam, a coastal area.

Initial investigation of the police revealed that the siblings, prior to the incident, were walking home with their 15-year-old eldest sister, Concepcion, and mother, Lyn, 37, from a town fiesta celebration.

While on their way, Cyril asked permission from her mother to defecate at a distance and was accompanied by Concepcion and Paul Joseph.

Concepcion, who was then watching over Cyril, went to the sea supposedly to wash her feet. Paul Joseph went after her and suddenly swam, thinking that his sister would go swimming.

Upon seeing Paul Joseph was drowning, Concepcion went back to her mother to seek help.

Cyril reportedly went out of her way from the place without being noticed by both her mother and the eldest sister.

The mother fished out the body of Paul Joseph and brought him to Juan Dosado Memorial Hospital, but the boy was declared dead on arrival.

A search then ensued for Cyril. Around 6 p.m., Cyril’s lifeless body was already seen floating in the same area.

Police believed that Cyril ran in panic and slipped towards the water from an elevated area. — (FREEMAN)