CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Two minors who were reported missing after being swept away by strong waves while swimming during inclement weather were found dead along the coast of Looc, El Salvador City late Saturday afternoon.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) confirmed that the victims, aged two and four, were retrieved by navy frogmen in separate locations along the coast between the boundary of Opol town and El Salvador City.

According to CDRRMO head James Bombeo, the two victims had gone swimming at Looc Beach around 4 p.m. with two other minors, aged 14 and 10, all residents of Barangay Hinigdaan. The group reportedly went to the beach without their parents’ permission.

Bombeo said that strong waves suddenly swept the children away. The two older minors were rescued by lifeguards and brought safely back to shore, but their younger companions went missing.

Navy frogmen immediately launched search and rescue operations. After nearly an hour of searching, the bodies of the two younger victims were found floating in separate areas near the boundary between El Salvador City and Opol town.

The CDRRMO has reiterated its advisory to residents, especially along coastal areas, to refrain from swimming and to stay away from the beach during bad weather.