A college student drowned while spearfishing in the waters off Barangay Poblacion, Borbon, Cebu, on the morning of June 23.
The victim was identified as Cyrelle Rivera, 20, a Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science student from a university in Cebu City.
According to his grandmother Pacita, Rivera grew up under her care as his mother works overseas. She said her grandson frequently went spearfishing, but they became alarmed when he failed to return home by 3 p.m.
The family immediately sought help from local authorities, prompting a search and retrieval operation that same day.
However, the search was suspended at around 9:30 p.m. due to rough sea conditions.
Rescuers resumed the operation the following day. With the help of a second rescue team, Rivera’s body was located and retrieved from approximately 31 meters underwater.
Pacita described her grandson as kind and loving, saying the pain of losing him is unbearable.
Authorities have not released further information regarding the exact cause of death, but drowning is suspected.
