Teen who went missing in Lingayen Beach found dead

A teenage girl who went missing after swimming in Lingayen Beach in Pangasinan last New Year's Day was found dead in Sual town.

 

Two fishermen found the remains of the teenager, earlier identified as Justine de Guzman, on Monday in Barangay Baybay Norte in Sual, GMA Dagupan reported Tuesday.

 

"Ito ay nakita ng dalawang mangingisda na patungo sana, lalaot sana sila," said Sual police deputy head Inspector Alonzo Balgua.

 

Justine went swimming with friends in Lingayen Beach last Jan. 1, but went missing and was feared to have died.

 

Balgua said there was no sign of external injury that could indicate foul play in her death.

 

Her mother Josephine was saddened but also thankful that her daughter's remains had been found.

 

"Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Panginoon dahil ibinalik po sa akin ang anak ko. Kahit hindi ko man makitang ganyan siya," she said.

 

The coffin bearing the girl's body was sealed because her remains had started to decompose. — Joel Locsin/RSJ, GMA News