ORMOC CITY– The body of an 18-year-old student, reported missing on November 12, was discovered lifeless the following day in the waters off Barangay San Antonio, Basey, Samar.
The victim, identified as Elvin Cris Catayoc of Brgy. Guindapunan, Palo, Leyte, was the nephew of West Leyte Express Editor Ruby Ngoho Espina.
According to police, a concerned citizen alerted the Basey Municipal Police Station at around 1:45 am on Nov.13 about a possible drowning incident.
Responding officers, together with the Basey Coast Guard, barangay officials, relatives, and classmates, recovered Catayoc’s body, ending the search and rescue operation.
Initial police investigations revealed that Catayoc and his classmates had traveled to San Antonio to visit a friend.
While swimming, Catayoc reportedly chased his slippers, which were swept away by strong waves. Unfortunately, he was pulled under by the powerful sea currents exacerbated by sudden heavy rain and strong winds. Despite his companions’ efforts, they were unable to save him.
Catayoc’s body was taken to a local funeral home before being returned to his family in Palo, Leyte.
(ROBERT DEJON)
