2 graduating students drown

By: Jomarie A. Billones ROXAS City—Two male graduating high school students cannot anymore receive their diplomas during their graduation on March 20, 2013. Nor can they celebrate their 16thbirthday March 19. Ronel Estornino and John Paul Astorga, both of Brgy. Malonoy Dao, Capiz drowned to their deaths while swimming in the river at Sitio Luyan Brgy. Matagnop Wednesday noon. The two were graduating students of Malonoy National High School (MNHS) in Brgy. Malonoy Dao town, some 8kms from the town proper. The victims and their four classmates went swimming after their school practice for their graduation rites. The river is about 45 minutes by foot from the school, said PO2 Glenn Artuz of Dao police station. Estornino and Astorga two were about to cross the river when strong current swept them away. Estornino was first retrieved by the residents two hours after the incident. He was declared dead at the Senator Gerry Roxas District Hospital in Dao. The body of Astorga was found by Ben Cortel of the Capiz Emergency Response Team (CERT) from the 10-foot deep river during the retrieval operation Thursday morning. Larry Castillo, MNHS principal, said the school will render a tribute for the two victims during the graduation day. Their diplomas will be given to their respective parents.