The body of a second Filipino to go missing off the Thai resort island of Phuket has been discovered, rescuers said today.
The body of the 29-year-old registered nurse, identified as 29-year-old Angelo Bien Rafael Cortez, was found by rescuers at about 3pm on Sunday, according to The Kusoldharm Foundation. He was identified by a tattoo described by his father, the Bangkok Post reported.
Cortez’s father, who was in Thailand with him, later confirmed that the body was indeed his son.
Big waves, wind sweep 2 Filipinos out to sea off Phuket, Thailand
Cortez went missing Wednesday with fellow Filipino tourist Noah “Twitt” Ibay II, 40, while they were swimming in a group at Phuket’s Freedom Beach. The pair was carried into the ocean by heavy winds and high waves.
Thai authorities said the group ignored warnings to stay out of the water due to an incoming storm.
Ibay’s uncle Parang, Maguindanao Mayor Cahar Ibay, had asked Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng to assist in rescuing the two, but his nephew’s body was found on a beach Friday by a passerby on Freedom Beach.
Cortez and Ibay were on vacation in the popular beach destination with 11 other Filipinos when they went missing.
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