SEARCH STILL ON. Search is still on for a missing teenager believed to have drowned at the fish port of Barangay Metro La Paz in Laoag City. The boy along with several friends went swimming on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 12, 2021) after Severe Tropical Storm Maring left the Philippines area of responsibility. (Photo courtesy of PCG Ilocos Norte)
LAOAG CITY – Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard along with personnel from the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection are still searching for a teenage boy who remains missing after swimming with friends on Tuesday at a fish port in Barangay Metro La Paz, this city.
On Tuesday afternoon, local witness Joselito Desundra said in a radio interview that he saw the teenager dive into the water along with other companions. He said he often spots the group enjoying swimming even in bad weather.
"Initially, I thought they were just fooling around until I saw one of them crying,” he said.
Due to strong current and poor visibility prevailing in the area on Tuesday afternoon, the search was temporarily terminated.
On Wednesday, search and rescue teams resumed their operation hoping to find the body of the victim.
Coast Guard station commander Laurel Paul Mariano Jr. of the PCG said they continue to mobilize all assets for an extensive search to find the missing teenager.
They also advised all watercraft transiting in the area to be on the lookout and immediately report to the nearest PCG units in case they find the missing teenager. (PNA)
