A 12-year-old boy died after drowning while swimming along the seaside in Villaba, Leyte, authorities confirmed.

Police identified the victim as alias “Franz,” a resident of Barangay Poblacion Sur.

The incident occurred at the Villaba Public Market seaside area in the same barangay.

Based on the police investigation, the victim was swimming and bathing near the shore when he suddenly drowned. Meanwhile, nearby residents attempted to rescue him and rushed him to the Villaba Public Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival.