THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it is it still conducting massive search and rescue operations for five children who allegedly drowned in waters off Barangay Looc, Balete, Batangas today.
Based on the initial information from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Balete, five children, all residents of Barangay Sto. Toribio, Lipa City, Batangas, went missing while swimming at Barangay Looc.
The children were identified as Jaime Rose Ann Jacutan, 12 years old, female; Kiel Zackary Pasaron, 10 years old, male; Sherin Ashtrid Dela Rosa, 8 years old, female; Kurtney Prian Presas, 8 years old, male; and Rodney Mark Dela Rosa, 7 years old, male.
The PCG search and rescue (SAR) team, MDRRMO Balete, and local officials continue to conduct joint surface search at the adjacent area for possible sightings of the five children.
Meanwhile, the PCG has also dispatched two divers from the PCG Special Operations Group – Southern Tagalog to conduct underwater search.