3 students dead in Surigao

BUTUAN CITY – Three high school students drowned while four of their classmates were rescued after large waves marred an outing last Friday, the Socorro Island police reported.

The students, all of Nueva Estrella National High School in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, planned to spend last Friday, a holiday, swimming at Point Puyangi beach in Barangay Taruc when big waves carried them away from the shore.

Members of the Socorro police, Philippine Coast Guard and Bucas Grande Search and Rescue Team conducted the rescue.

The fatalities were identified as Lara Dacera, 16, Grade 10; Ayanie Elandag, 16, Grade 9; and Bryan Gonzales Jr., 14, Grade 7.

The survivors – Leziel Louse Mascardo, 16; Analou Enago, 16; Resma Taro, 15; and Josua Mascardo, Grade 9 – were taken to the Socorro District Hospital for treatment.