Police: Cop, companion drown in Batangas resort

A policeman and a female companion drowned Saturday in a beach resort in Batangas province, but only the body of the woman has been recovered so far, a police report said Sunday. The report identified the two as Zaldy Lamsis, 35, a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Police Security and Protection Group, and businesswoman Midori Abalos, 34. Both were from Baguio City. The two drowned after diving at 4:19 p.m. near Planet Dive Resort in Sitio Balanoy in Barangay San Teodoro in Mabini, Batangas, the police report said. “The body of Midori Abalos was recovered by banker of Sea Spring Dive Resort… more or less 30 meters from the shoreline and was brought at Mabini General Hospital but expired while undergoing medical treatment by attending physician," the report said. Lamsis’ body, however, has yet to be recovered as of posting time. Mr. Joey Fullon, co-owner of the resort, has initiated retrieval operation and enlisted the service of dive masters from Manila led by Antonio “Toni Boy" Ongsiako to retrieve Lamsis’ body. “Operation lasted at around 7:30 p.m. of same date and to be continued [Sunday] morning," the report said. Authorities have already coordinated with the PNP Maritime, Philippine Coast Guard, Bantay Dagat and Dive Guide Association of Mabini War Made for retrieval of the missing victim. — Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMA News