2 friends drown after being pulled in by stormy sea’s strong current in Zambales

Two young women drowned after they were pulled in by the strong current under the rough waves off Iba, Zambales.

According to a report by Mark Salazar in GMA's 24 Oras on Wednesday, three classmates were caught by the current as they frolicked in the beach in Iba during inclement weather.

Rescuers were able to bring two of them to shore. One, identified as Marisol Dagohoy, was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. The other, Ayra Saytono, survived.

The third, Alison Testimio, was missing for about 24 hours before her body, too, was eventually found.  

Authorities said that the three had been drinking.

"Hindi po namin alam. Nagkayayaan po sila. Nag-inuman sila dito pero pinagbawalan naman sila na 'wag maliligo sa dagat. Kaso 'yun nga daw po, mapilit sila mag-ano sa dagat, maligo," said Sheila Testimio, Alison's sister.

"Sabi nung ano may sumagip na dalawang lalaki, na tatlo nga daw sila naghaharutan daw po sila diyan...hindi nila namamalayan, naghaharutan, nagtatampisaw sila sa tubig na malalim na po 'yung napuntahan nila," she added.

According to PAGASA, the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat is affecting the province of Zambales. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News