Tragic Drowning Claims Life of Cebu Golf Course Worker in Man-Made Lake
A five-hour search operation ended in tragedy as a 27-year-old golf course maintenance worker was found drowned in a man-made lake at the Governor Cuenco Anenue establishment in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City. The incident occurred on the evening of April 7, 2026, with authorities identifying the victim as Ryan Germino, a resident of the mountainous Barangay Guba area in Cebu City.
Rescue Efforts and Discovery
The Cebu City Fire Station received a report from the Cebu City Command Center (C3) at approximately 8:55 p.m., prompting an immediate investigation under the command of Fire Superintendent Tito P. Purgatorio, the Cebu City Fire Marshal. Assisted by members of the Marine Rescue Unit from the BFP Special Rescue Forces based in Lapu-Lapu City Fire District, rescue teams thoroughly searched and dove into the lake where Germino was last seen.
Rescue divers located Germino at around 11:18 p.m., submerged underwater at an estimated depth of 12 feet. The discovery marked the culmination of an intensive effort involving multiple agencies working through the night to locate the missing worker.
Investigation Details and Background
According to an investigation led by Police Major Gingoyon, chief of the Mabolo Police, it was revealed that Germino had asked permission from his coworker to take a bath in the lake. After approximately one hour passed, with Germino failing to return by around 6:00 p.m., his coworker grew concerned as they were supposed to gather to log out and head home.
Germino's coworker, Miles Velasquez, reported the situation to security guards and inspected the lake. During their search, they found Germino's shirt and shoes floating on the water, leading them to suspect he had drowned. Authorities later confirmed that Germino had only been working at the golf course for two weeks and was scheduled to finish his shift at 4:00 p.m. that day. It is suspected that Germino may have slipped into the lake, with reports indicating he did not know how to swim.
Family's Grief and Decision
Authorities have stated that there is no foul play involved in Germino's death. However, the victim's common-law wife, Mary Rose Velas, expressed lingering doubts, requesting further investigation into the possibility of foul play. Emotionally, Velas added that during their six years of living together with their two children, Germino had shown immense dedication to working hard to support his family.
"He was very kind and hardworking, ma'am. It is extremely painful to learn about this incident. They say there is no foul play, ma'am, but there were bruises found on his chest. I just want to have the opportunity to speak with his coworker," Velas recounted.
Following the news report, the family has decided not to proceed with an autopsy on Germino's body, choosing instead to focus on mourning and remembering his life. The community and authorities continue to reflect on safety measures around such recreational water bodies to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
