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WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR: Newlywed OFW couple drowns while on honeymoon in Maldives

An OFW couple having a honeymoon in Maldives died on Sunday, January 13, due to drowning, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed.

How it happened

According to DFA, the OFW couple, identified as Leomer and Erika Joyce Lagradilla, was recently married and flew to Maldives on January 9 for their honeymoon.

The 29-year-old wife and her 30-year-old husband were guests in a resort in Dhiffushi island and were snorkeling when they started drowning.

Reports claim that the wife tried to help her husband who drowned first, unfortunately, the wife also drowned in the process.

Both were rescued by resort workers but were pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.

What happens next?

The Philippine Embassy in Dhaka, which has jurisdiction over the Maldives, has been instructed to coordinate with authorities in the Maldives and in making arrangements for the repatriation of their remains as investigation on their death continues.

DFA said that they are now in touch with the family of the two overseas workers and has assured the family of its assistance in the repatriation of the couple’s remains.

Meanwhile, in an interview with DZMM Teleradyo, Leomer’s sister, Mhapolle, said that the management of the hotel where the couple stayed has yet to give an answer and complete details as to what happened on the day of the incident.

Who are the victims?

An ABS-CBN News report said that the couple got married on December 18, 2018.

In a Facebook post, Leomer even described the day as the “best day ever”.

Leomer also shared the video of their wedding in his social media account.

The couple’s Instagram account also shows that they loved to travel together.

The wedding came more than a year after Leomer proposed to Erika on June 19, 2017.

“I love you forever Mahal ko! I’m so excited to spend the rest of my life with you,” Erika said in a Facebook post following the proposal.

It was not an easy road to marriage, however, as both had to work overseas first and be away from each other to save some money for their future.

Leomer had to work in Singapore while Erika had to work in Riyadh.

Leomer’s sister, Mhapolle said that the couple “amazing” and “down to earth” people.

Staff Report

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