The bodies of three minors who were first reported missing while swimming off the coast of Barangay Malabugas in Negros Oriental’s Bayawan City, were found over the weekend.

Lt. Colonel Stephen Amamag, Bayawan police chief, said yesterday the bodies of the children were recovered separately along the seashore of Malabugas in that southern city on Sunday, September 3.

The three were identified as 11-year-old Genalyn Primor Villagracia; her brother, seven-year-old Helmar Primor Villagracia; and their seven-year-old cousin Lance Reasol Villagracia.

A police report said the children went swimming on Saturday morning, September 2, with their parents.

They were reported missing at mid-afternoon.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office immediately launched a search for the missing children believed to have been caught by strong currents and big waves, he added. (PNA)