Two beachgoers were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard on Jan. 1 at the territorial waters of Purok 2 in Barangay 1, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.
Coast Guard provincial chief Lt. Cmdr. Ludovico Librilla said that Jhondel Apolinario, 28, and a 12-year-old boy, whose identity is being withheld, went for a swim when they were swept away by a strong current.
A barangay resident, identified as Irish Tulayba, immediately sought the help of Coast Guard personnel in the area.
Librilla said that Seaman First Class Romulo Ceralbo and Apprentice Seaman Arjohn Villafranca immediately responded to the call for help and managed to rescue the two beachgoers.
Both Apolinario and the minor are residents of Barangay Pacol, Valladolid, Negros Occidental.
Villafranca, on the other hand, was in the right place at the right time as he is on vacation with his family in Barangay. 2, Hinobaan.
Before leaving the place, Librilla said the two rescued beachgoers expressed their appreciation to the two Coast Guard personnel who saved their lives. — GB
