HERMOSA, Bataan — Two minors, aged 12 and 8, drowned after being swept into a deep section of a river dam while swimming in Barangay Culis on Tuesday afternoon, authorities reported.
In a report released by the Hermosa Municipal Police Station, Bataan Provincial Director Police Col. Marites Salvadora confirmed that the victims, identified only by their aliases "Jay-Jay" and "Ryle," were swimming with another child at the Gasak River Dam in Sitio Gasak when the incident occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m.
According to the lone witness, the two boys ventured into a deeper portion of the river, struggled to stay afloat, and soon disappeared beneath the water.
The witness managed to escape the water and immediately alerted nearby residents, triggering a swift rescue response.
Personnel from the Hermosa Municipal Police Station, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and local volunteers rushed to the scene.
The victims were retrieved from the water and given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on-site before being transported to Orani District Hospital.
Despite emergency efforts, attending physician Dr. Patrick Vinluan declared both boys dead on arrival.
Authorities have launched a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Updates will follow as more details emerge.