Two brothers from Davao City drowned while swimming at a beach resort in Mati City on Sunday morning, September 28.
Police identified the victims as Clarence Torres, 17, and his older brother, Gerald Torres, 25, both residents of Barangay Communal, Buhangin, Davao City.
The incident happened around 7:30 a.m. at Sitio Cotcot, Barangay Lanca. The brothers were rushed to hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
Initial investigation revealed that lifeguard Honorato Martije noticed the group of tourists swimming around 6:30 a.m. He warned them to move away from the strong waves. Minutes later, the Torres family sought his help after the two brothers drowned.
Martije immediately called for police assistance. Responding officers from the Tourist Police, led by PSSg Jouie E. Naupan, assisted at the scene.
By the time police arrived, Clarence had already been brought to the hospital by his family. Gerald was later found and given CPR by the responding officers before being transported to the same hospital. Both were pronounced dead.
Three companions of the Torres brothers — identified as Ketchmer, Klein, and Harthur, all from Buhangin — survived the incident.
Authorities said an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
