3 students from Bulacan river tragedy laid to rest

Three of seven students who drowned in a flash flood that hit the Madlum River in Bulacan last Tuesday were laid to rest on Sunday.

Relatives bade farewell to Helena Marcelo, Janet Rivera and Mickel Alcantara, according to a report by GMA News' Rida Reyes on "24 Oras Weekend."

Parents of some of the fatalities are also planning to meet to discuss possible legal action against Bulacan State University over the incident.

According to a report that aired on GMA News “24 Oras” Friday evening, the university's crisis committee released a two-page report in which it stated that crossing the Madlum River was not included in the original set of activities for the trip. However, the school said, the tour agency contracted by BSU changed the itinerary several hours before the students left for San Miguel.

Pink funeral

On Sunday, Helena was buried along with her school bag and school supplies. Pink was the prevailing color at the funeral, to symbolize her colorful life.



Representatives from Bulacan State University attended the burial and extended their sympathies.

Earlier, Helena's father Harold declined the financial assistance offered by the school.

"Hindi ko matatanggap, sabi ko lumaki ang anak ko nang ganoon, pinaghirapan ko. Bakit ako kukuha ng pera sa ibang tao? Siguro God's will na kinuha siya pero in a hard way," he said. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News