Police: No foul play in drowning of boy

CEBU, Philippines - No sufficient evidence had been established that would prove foul play was involved in the death of a seven-year-old pupil who drowned after being chased allegedly by a gang of  youngsters Wednesday afternoon.

Lapu-Lapu City Police Office director P Sr/Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas in an interview with reporters said it was “purely a drowning by accident.”

Lawas said the Women’s Desk that investigated the incident found no sufficient proof that would link the drowning to foul play.

The police had already identified the six children aged 11 and 12 years old who were said to be responsible for the death of Joshua Veloso.

As alleged, Veloso was stoned by a group of boys who called themselves “Sandugo Boys” which prompted the boy to run toward the seashore. When the boys caught up with him, one of the young boys shoved Veloso to the water.

The boys and their parents were invited by the Women’s Desk but the boys were later released.

The police said there was no reason for them to hold the boys nor was there liability on their part.

Witnesses said Veloso was with two of his classmates in Grade 1 at the Buaya Elementary School when the drowning took place.

The boy’s mother, Alma Rocacolba, 34, said she will not stop until she finds justice for her son.

Veloso is the eldest of three siblings.

 Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said her staff will investigate the incident and see what the city can do to help the boy’s family.

Radaza also said she hopes the incident will serve as a wakeup call for barangay officials in the coastal areas, for them to make sure that children playing along the seashore are guarded.

Meanwhile, Department of Education Divisions Superintendent Eduardo Ompad issued a memorandum to all public schools in the city that authorizes them to collect donations to help the family of the victim. (FREEMAN)