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Three children from Baseco Compound in Port Area, Manila, were killed when a lightning bolt hit the Manila Bay while they were swimming Friday afternoon during a thunderstorm, a report on "24 Oras" said.

The victims—Nilson Huit, 13; Junjun Rial, 17; and MJ Aregatas, 12—were declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

The report said the two survivors immediately asked for help after the incident.

Police Sr. Insp. Joey Estucia, commander of the police station in the compound, said the three were already dead by the time they arrived.

According to the doctor who looked into the victims, the three were not directly hit by the lightning.

Weather bureau PAGASA warned the public against swimming in open water during thunderstorms.