A 48-year-old fisherman died after he allegedly drowned while spearfishing in a shallow part of the sea in Barangay Lagunde, Oslob, Cebu on Wednesday evening, December 20, 2023. | Contributed photo via Paul Lauro
CEBU CITY, Philippines – A 48-year-old fisherman, who was allegedly intoxicated, lost his life when he drowned at sea on Thursday evening, December 21, 2023 in Barangay Lagunde, Oslob, southern Cebu.
The drunk fisherman was allegedly spearfishing on a shallow part of the sea when the incident happened.
The victim was identified as Ramil Magalso, 48, a fisherman and a resident of the said barangay.
The investigation of the Oslob Police Station revealed that the drowning incident took place at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The victim reportedly left their house on his own on Thursday evening to go spearfishing to feed his family like he always does.
At around 7:00 p.m., however, police personnel received a call about an alleged drowning incident in the area.
READ: Cordova accident: Twin 5-year-old boys die after they fell into swimming pool
According to Police Corporal Antonio Hugo, desk officer at the Oslob Police Station, Magalso had been drinking before leaving their house and was under the influence of alcohol when he entered the water based on their investigation.
When the victim’s cousin, Jayson Magalso, passed by the area, he reportedly found the victim floating on the water which prompted him to call for help.
Upon their arrival, personnel of the Oslob Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) rescued the fisherman and brought him to the nearest hospital for immediate medical treatment.
The attending physician at the Oslob District Hospital, however, declared Magalso dead on arrival.
Oslob is a fourth-class municipality located approximately 118 kilometers southeast of Cebu City.