VMX actor Benz Sangalang expressed no surprise upon learning that two Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles basketball players drowned in the sea of Dipaculao, Aurora. He recalled that the driver of Director Jose Javier Reyes, also known as Direk Joey Reyes, drowned in the same area during the filming of the movie Secrets in April 2022.
Benz Sangalang's Reaction
“When I found out that two Ateneo basketball players drowned and died in Dipaculao, I wasn't surprised because I really know how strong the waves are there, which have claimed many lives,” Benz said on Cabinet Files.
“Direk Joey's driver died in Dipaculao because of the deadly waves. On the first day of our shooting for Secrets, everyone was already prohibited from swimming because the waves would suddenly swell as if sucking people in. I never tried to swim in the sea because I was scared,” Benz added.
Direk Joey's Description of the Area
Meanwhile, Direk Joey described the area as notorious in a comment on the Facebook post of Cathy Babao-Sanchez, daughter of veteran actress Caridad Sanchez.
“I know the place where the two players died: this was exactly the same place where my driver drowned in 2022 on our final day of shooting a project. The place has a notoriety for taking lives each year because of its vicious undertow and gigantic waves from the open seas. Even the locals don't swim out of fear of the unpredictability of the water's behavior,” Direk Joey said.
“That area is NOTORIOUS for being dangerous and treacherous. There should have been greater examination and assessment as to the choice of venue for a training activity. Now all we can do is to pray for strength on the part of these devastated parents who only wished a better and brighter future for their sons.”
