BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Northern Negros Occidental will hold a boat operator liable for a drowning incident at Kabilang-bilangan Reef in Barangay Sicaba, Cadiz City on Sunday.
PCG-Northern Negros Occidental station chief Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio said their sub-station in Cadiz City already started an investigation.
Kabilang-bilangan Reef is not a restricted area but boats are not authorized to ferry tourists to the site.
Mercurio said the victims were swept away by the strong sea current.
The first to be swept away was 13-year-old Mark Jhon Aguire.
Family members tried to rescue Mark Jhon but they, too, were swept away by the current.
Mark Jhon drowned to his death, alongside three others – 13-year-old Michael Jhon Merabe; 33-year-old Marlyn Aguire; and 31-year-old Rememar Ocon.
Mercurio said there was no capsizing of boat contrary to initial reports.
PCG may summon the boat operator once they are identified and charges could be filed against them for operating as colorum (without franchise).
Kabilang-bilangan Reef is a sandbar with two concrete structures. It can only be accessed via a 15-minute boat ride from mainland Negros. It is also 10 minutes away from Lakawon island.
Following the incident, Cadiz City’s Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. ordered that all boating excursions to the reef are now restricted./PN
