By Daniel Que
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – A family outing turned tragic on January 1, 2025, when an 11-year-old boy drowned while swimming at Lingayen Beach here.
The victim, identified as Mico Capuli, a Grade 6 student from Barangay Macabito, Calasiao, this province, was swept away by strong waves alongside his sister, 13-year-old Elena Mae Capuli.
At around 11:30 a.m., the two minors were enjoying the water with their uncle, Anthony Domasing, 37, a resident of Barangay Pangapisan North, Lingayen.
But at around 2:00 p.m., Domasing noticed that the two minors had been dragged by strong waves into a deeper portion of the beach and sought help.
Domasing managed to rescue Elena Mae, but despite his desperate efforts, he could not reach Mico in time.
Emergency responders, including personnel from the Lingayen Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, retrieved Mico’s body later that afternoon.
Mico was declared dead on arrival at Lingayen District Hospital.
Local officials have reiterated safety reminders about the strong tides at Lingayen Beach, urging beachgoers to exercise extra caution, particularly during rough conditions.