Two members of the Philippine Navy drowned during a leisure diving activity off the coast of Maitum, Sarangani.

Authorities retrieved the bodies of the two, a 48-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman, floating around 1.2 nautical miles from the shoreline.

The two were both residents of Cavite City.

Police said the two were diving with companions when they drowned.

They were rushed to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the families of the victims for a statement, as of this writing.

Authorities said the two may have experienced a technical problem with their breathing apparatus, which caused them to drown.

“Ang diving, alam mo na, estimated mo na kung gaano tatagal yung dala-dalang breathing apparatus kung ilang minutes, 30 minutes yan or 20 minutes sa isang tanke, so alam mo na yon. Kaya, mostly, ang nag-cause niyan is yung technical nga minsan naiipit yung hose, nagpa-panic na sila agad. Di na nila alam ang gagawin,” Sarangani Police Provincial Office Director, Col. Deanry Francisco, said.