A 20-year-old man drowned while swimming in rough seas at a beach resort in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

According to the information officer of the local government, the man and his companions were initially denied entry by the management of the beach resort because of the big waves and bad weather condition.

However, the group reportedly requested the management that they be allowed to stay overnight as they had traveled from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon to celebrate a birthday.

Later, someone from the group called for help, saying one of their companions had drowned.

“Adunay naka-standby nga life guard ang resort ug gi-agpasan og adto sa dagat. Didto sa dagat nagunitan na sa lifeguard ang senina sa biktima ug giduot siya sa ilalom iyang gi-ingnan nga ayaw ko iduot kay mamatay tang duha. Gipahak sila og dako nga balod ug nabuhian niya ang biktima,” Villanueva Information Officer, Cyril Cambalon Jr., said.

The rescue team from the local government launched a search and rescue operation immediately, together with the Philippine Coast Guard.

However, rescuers failed to locate the victim due to strong waves. The area at that time was also dark.

Authorities found the victim lifeless floating at sea on Monday, July 21, 2025.

“Aware man pud atong mga resort owner nga pag-ingon ana ang panahon sila mismo balibad na, apan naa’y mga panahon nga ang kasagara nga customer sa beach resort sa Villanueva from Bukidnon atat sila maligo labi na adunay mga okasyon,” Cambalon added.