By Daniel Que
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – A tragic drowning accident on New Year’s Eve at Lingayen Beach claimed the lives of two individuals and left two others hospitalized after they were caught by strong waves while swimming in this town.
The victims were identified as college student Justin Iriss Labao, 18, and his younger brother, grade 11 student Benjurr Auski Labao, 16, both from Barangay San Roque, La Paz, Tarlac. Also involved were 13-year-old Tessa Gabrielle Ganoy, a grade 7 student, and Jessel Taderos, 19, a housekeeper, both residents of Barangay Dila, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The group, including their guardian, Willy Ganoy Jr., 47, a company manager from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, was enjoying a day at the beach when the incident occurred.
According to a police report, the group went for a swim around 4:30 p.m. By 5:20 p.m., however, Ganoy noticed that the four swimmers had disappeared from view. Fearing they had gotten into trouble, he quickly contacted the Lingayen Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for assistance.
It’s believed that the victims were pulled into deeper waters by powerful waves and currents. Emergency responders acted quickly, rescuing Justin and Tessa, both of whom were rushed to Lingayen District Hospital and are now reported to be in stable condition. Taderos was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Despite an overnight search, Labao was not found until the early hours of January 1, 2025. His body was discovered about 800 meters from the initial location of the incident at around 4:50 a.m. Authorities confirmed his death at the scene.