‘Group selfie’ mishap leaves 1 dead

NOTE: We are aware that the term “group selfie” is not accurate and that, technically, it should probably be “groufie.”  or “usie.” However, the term “group selfie” was used by the subjects in the story and so we are using the term to adhere to the usage of the subjects. This is the reason why the term “group selfie” is enclosed in quotation marks.

A 17-year-old student drowned amid strong waves after attempting to take a “group selfie” by the sea in Barangay Masikil, Bangui, Ilocos Norte.

The photo that comes with this article is actually the last picture of the group all together before the mishap occurred.

Police say, a group of second year Civil Engineering students, who had just come from their classmate’s birthday party, were taking photos with the famous Bangui windmills. The group was suddenly hit by strong waves, which ended up carrying them away.

Although the authorities responded to the emergency as fast as they could, it was too late for them to save Cheska Agas. She was already dead when she was found.

Cheska’s mother revealed that her daughter had asked her permission to go to her classmate’s birthday party a month ago. She said that she had agreed because she thought Cheska needed to relax.

Another student, Edgar Abian, was rushed to the hospital.

Due to the incident, barangay officials say they will now warn people against swimming or getting too close to the sea.