A 19-year-old seminarian drowned during a school activity and was later found lifeless at a beach in Sitio Tagkawayan, Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City.
The victim was identified as Mark Anthony Sabando, a seminarian of the Seminario de San Jose and a native of Araceli, Palawan.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Program Manager Earl Timbancaya confirmed to Palawan News that a drowning incident was reported on March 31 involving a young man in Sitio Tagkawayan.
He said search operations began immediately and continued through the night with the assistance of CDRRMO personnel, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Naval Special Operations Unit (NAVSOU).
Sabando perished after being carried away by powerful waves that isolated him from his friends, according to initial information from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
He ultimately vanished after being swept away by the current despite attempts to save him. Later, his body was discovered close to the location of his last sighting.
Sabando was in the area due to a recreational activity held as part of the Class Dynamics and Year-End Integration event held at the Tagkawayan Glamping Inn Facility organized by the seminary’s Propaedeutic Stage Department.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m, but initial information gathered by Palawan News claimed that it was only reported to authorities around 4 p.m.
The search was suspended overnight due to poor visibility and resumed early the following day, April 1. Around 1 p.m., his body was found.
In an official statement signed by Rev. Fr. Francis Mark G. Guzman, JCL, rector of the Seminario de San Jose, the seminary expressed its grief over Sabando’s death and thanked the residents of Tagkawayan and the responding agencies for their assistance in the search and recovery efforts.
“The wake of Brother Mark will be held at the Seminary Chapel (White Chapel) in Barangay Tiniguiban, where we will come together to pray for the repose of his soul and offer our final respects,” the statement read.
The seminary also asked for continued prayers, entrusting Sabando “to the loving mercy of God.”
Meanwhile, City Tourism Office (CTO) chief Demetrio Alvior Jr. addressed comments on a Palawan News article, clarifying that the incident occurred outside the city beach’s jurisdiction, thereby explaining the absence of lifeguards.
“Sa TGIF sila naligo, nakita lang sa tapat ng city beach. Ang city beach may apat na lifeguards na tumulong maghanap since yesterday (March 31). FYI,” he said.
Puerto Princesa City’s western shore has a history of drownings. Locals said that every year, the sea claims a life on the West Coast for reasons they do not fully understand.
A Facebook user said that in November of 2020, a 19-year-old relative of hers, also called Mark Anthony, drowned while visiting Napsan Beach.
Another user cautioned against swimming on the Tagkawayan and Nagtabon beaches due to their hazard.
He stated that powerful undercurrents have already claimed a number of lives in the area. Citing comparable dangers, the user also advised against swimming in Tagbarungis Beach and the beach in front of a resort in Sabang.
Instead, he suggested Talaudyong Beach, which is safer due to its gentle slope, lack of undercurrents, and abrupt drop-offs.
“Delikado ang beach dyan sa Tagkawayan at Nagtabon. Dapat hindi pinaliliguan yan. Marami nang buhay ang nawala dyan. Ang lakas ng undercurrent ng mga beach na yan. Iwasan din nyo ang Tagbarungis Beach, pati na ang beach sa harap ng Sheridan sa Sabang. Malalakas din ang undercurrent doon. Ilang buhay na rin ang nawala doon. Ang safe na beach ay sa Talaudyong. Walang undercurrent at dahan dahan ang lalim at walang kantil,” he said.
