The Provincial Rescue Team recovered Thursday the body of a man who drowned while swimming on Jan. 1 in the Balanan Lake resort in Barangay Sandulot, Siaton, Negros Oriental.

The body of Gelo Heralde, 22, of Bayawan City , was found underneath big rocks at noon Thursday.

Investigation revealed that Heralde and his friend, Ramsted Tunogbanua, were swimming when the victim called for help as he was drowning.

Tunogbanua said he tried to save his friend but failed. He suffered bruises and  fractures in some  parts of his  body  in the attempt and  is now  recovering  at  Siaton  District  Hospital, Marcy  Balbon, officer–in-charge  of  the  lake, told case probers.

Gov. Emilio Macias II, who ordered the retrieval of Heralde's body, said the victim could have rammed into huge rocks.

Rescuers who responded said they had difficulty locating the body because of the big rocks and trees.*MA

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