WHEN Korean national Jang Hee Bum, 34, saw his diving buddy Cho Kyeong Cheon in trouble with his gear, he swam out to help. In a fit of panic, both of them drowned--Cheon was later saved, but Bum did not make it to the hospital alive.

In an initial investigation by the Lapu-Lapu City Police Monday, Nov. 5, PO3 Marven Saraum of the Homicide Section, said dive shop owner Jong Moon Lee told him that there was a group of Koreans who availed themselves of his services.

The group was in an area that was 120 meters deep. Lee said Cheon was having a hard time breathing, prompting Bum to help.

Cheon is now in stable condition in a hospital, while Bum was brought to a funeral home in Cebu City for autopsy. (FVQ of SuperBalita Cebu)