A 49-year-old man has drowned in a river in Oriental Mindoro after swimming while under the influence of alcohol, prompting a warning from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The incident occurred on March 29, 2025 at Longos River in Barangay Catwiran II, Baco, on the northeastern coast of Mindoro Island.

The victim’s wife told authorities that her husband had been drinking during a family outing when he insisted on swimming despite her objections.

He entered the river wearing only underwear and did not resurface.

After being alerted by local disaster officials, a joint search and rescue operation was launched involving the PCG and Baco disaster response teams.

The search covered several barangays including Malapad, Catwiran I, Catwiran II, and San Andres.

Later that day, rescue teams found a body floating in the river near Barangay San Andres.

The remains were transported to Barangay Pulang Tubig where the victim’s wife confirmed his identity.

A doctor at the Baco Municipal Health Office later pronounced the man dead.

Following the incident, the PCG has urged the public not to swim while under the influence of alcohol.

Photo: Courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard Mindoro