13-year-old boy who went missing after swimming at Baseco Beach found dead

The body of a 13-year-old boy who went missing after swimming at Baseco Beach in Manila last August 15 was found at a landfill in Navotas Sunday evening.

According to a report of GMA News’ Jhomer Apresto, the body of Rhomel was found by authorities at the Navotas landfill at the boundary to Obando, Bulacan.

"Mel...alam ko, nandyan ka lang sa tabi ko, kasi nararamdaman ko lagi mo ko sinusundan... sorry.. ang bata mo pa, hindi na kita makikita sa paglaki mo," Rhomel’s mother Roselyn said.

On August 15, Rhomel went swimming with a friend at Baseco Beach. His friend survived, but Rhomel was reportedly swept away by strong waves amid the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

Authorities had earlier reminded the public that swimming at Baseco Beach is prohibited.

The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) personnel contacted Roselyn to verify whether the remains belonged to her son.

Roselyn said she immediately recognized Rhomel despite not being able to clearly see his face in the photograph shown to her.

While devastated by the loss, Roselyn said finding her son's body gave the family some relief because they no longer had to wonder whether he was still alive.

"Sana bigyan mo 'ko ng lakas na matanggap ko lahat, hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala, tinatapangan ko lang Mel, bigyan mo ko ng lakas Mel," Roselyn said.

The Manila local government reportedly shouldered the expenses for his burial and provided financial assistance to his family.

Rhomel was laid to rest on Monday.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA News