What was supposed to be a joyous celebration for a family in Pagadian City ended tragically when one of its members, a 17-year-old girl, drowned at the resort.

According to Cleto Ando, the father of the child, Marian, the family went to the private resort to celebrate the graduation of the youngest son who will move up to high school.

While swimming in the pool for kids with her classmates, the family did not notice that the victim transferred to the pool for adults.

The father said his daughter did not know how to swim.

“Hindi yun marunong lumangoy. Galing yun sa mababaw kaya lang lumipat sa malalim,” the father said.

The lifeguard on duty only noticed the victim already floating in the water. The victim was rushed to the hospital but she was declared dead upon arrival.

There is no official statement yet from the resort management, as of this writing, but it will reportedly shoulder the burial expenses.

“Sagot daw nila lahat ang gasto. Yan ang aming napagkasunduan. Sagot daw nila lahat,” the father added.

The family will no longer file charges against the resort.

“Kung willing sila na magsampa ng kaso, handa kami. Sa ngayon isinailalim sa post mortem examination ang biktima. Kung ano man ang plano ng pamilya, narito lang kami,” Pagadian City Police Station Chief of the Women and Children’s Protection Desk, Staff Sergeant Arlyn Camarelle, said.