Four people were reported to have drowned while taking a swim at the Kabilang-bilangan reef in Cadiz City’s Barangay Sicaba, Sunday afternoon, August 28.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sub-station in Cadiz City identified the fatalities as 31-year-old Rememar Ocon; 33-year-old Marlyn Aguire; 13-year-old Michael Jhon Merabe; and 13-year-old Mark John Aguire.

Based on initial investigation by the PCG, 16 people went to the said reef to take a swim. However at around 2:00 p.m. the victims were reported to have been caught by the high tide, causing them to be swept away by the current.

The victims were rushed to the Cadiz City Emergency Clinic following a rescue operation, although the four were declared dead-on-arrival by the attending physician. (Dominique Gabriel Bañaga/Cadiz Coast Guard Sub-station photo)