By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Northern Negros Occidental said yesterday morning that they will hold the boat operator liable over the drowning incident that took place at Kabilang-bilangan Reef in Cadiz City’s Barangay Sicaba on Sunday, August 28.

PCG-Northern Negros Occidental station commander Joe Luviz Mercurio said their sub-station in Cadiz City is already investigating the incident.

Mercurio said Kabilang-bilangan Reef, a sandbar with two concrete structures, is not a restricted area, although boats in the reef are not authorized to ferry tourists to the site.

Based on their investigation, he said the victims were swept away by a strong current in the area.

The first to be swept away was 13-year-old Mark Jhon Aguire.

Subsequently, Aguire’s family tried to rescue Mark Jhon, but they too were swept away by the current.

Mark Jhon was later drowned to his death, with three others identified as 13-year-old Michael Jhon Merabe, 33-year-old Marlyn Aguire, and 31-year-old Rememar Ocon.

Mercurio also said there was no capsizing incident, despite the earlier reports they received during the search and rescue operations.

He said they are now in the process of finding out the name of the boat operator.

The PCG may summon the boat operator once they are identified and charges could be filed against them for operating as colorums.
The Kabilang-bilangan Reef can only be accessed via a 15-minute boat ride from mainland Negros Island, and 10 minutes away from Lakawon island.
Meanwhile, following the incident, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. has ordered that all boating excursions to the reef are now restricted./DGB, WDJ