A male Korean national drowned while swimming in a pool at a resort in Barangay Danao, Panglao at around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, police said.
According to initial police investigation, victim Yang Jae Man was swimming with two female companions while drinking Soju, a Korean alcoholic beverage, and eating donuts during the incident.
The two women, identified as Cebu City residents Ester Garcia, 20, and Ann Sermillon, 21, checked in with the victim and seven other men earlier that day, said resort receptionist Jennifer Arado.
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Arado told police that personnel of the Vanilla Sky Resort immediately alerted authorities when one of the victim’s companions informed her that Yang had drowned.
Responding firemen FO1 Ryan Ancog, FO1 Dennis Beringer and FO1 Jose Casegas then applied first aid and revival support including cardio pulmonary resuscitation.
The victim reportedly remained unresponsive and was rushed to the Ramiro Hospital in Tagbilaran City on board a municipal ambulance.
However, he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician, police said.
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On Thursday, Panglao Municipal Health Officer Dr. Julita Cogo noted that the cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning following a post mortem examination.
Cogo also recommended to subject Yang to an autopsy to identify the “primary cause” prior to drowning.
However, on the same day, Yang’s remains was transported to Rolling Hills in Cebu City for cremation.