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Family and friends rallied around an orphaned teenager whose parents drowned during their weekly fishing trip.
The bodies of Jun Ballo, 50, and his wife Leslie, 49, were pulled from the Peel Estuary at Birchmont, south Perth, on March 14, a day after they began fishing net, but did not return.
The couple had been married for 24 years but had just renewed their vows a fortnight before the tragedy struck.
Their parents were visiting the couple in Perth, who planned to return to the Philippines with the family next week.
The couple is survived by their daughter Jancee, 13, who is being cared for by a close friend of her mother.
Jun (right) and his wife Leslie (left) recently renewed their vows after 24 years of marriage
The Ballos arrived in Perth from the Philippines nine years ago.
They were long-time members of the New Life Filipino-Australian Community Church, where they were known as a kind and generous family, always willing to give and help others in need.
Their social media was filled with photos of the loving couple and their daughter.
The Church has established a online fundraising for Jancee, who will grow up without her parents.
“When we learned of the tragedy, it broke all of our hearts,” the page said.
“The Ballo family has been non-selectively generous to everyone around them, so we would like to show our support and help them financially, especially Jancee.”
“Due to the high expenses resulting from this sad and tragic incident, we will continue to need the support of those who wish to send financial assistance.”
Nearly $6,500 was raised in two days, which will go toward Jancee’s living expenses and tuition.
The profits will also be used to transfer the couple’s bodies to the Philippines, where their funeral will take place.
A funeral service will take place in Perth on Saturday March 30.
Friends raised the alarm after the couple failed to show up for work last Thursday.
Jun and Leslie are survived by their young daughter Jancee (right)
Jun and Leslie were devoted members of the New Life Filipino-Australian Community Church.
They went net fishing together every Wednesday and often went from house to house sharing what they had caught.
Their abandoned car was found at the Herron Point boat ramp and their bodies were later found about 50m offshore.
Locals told Nine News the Peel Estuary – a popular fishing and crabbing spot – can often be dangerous and has deep sections.
Friends vowed to take care of Jancee.
“How I wish it was a nightmare and how I wish one day they would appear,” Marisol Armada said. Nine news.
“No matter what, we’ll be here for Jancee.”
“I know how much they loved their daughter and we will do the same for her.
“They were truly a golden couple…We will cherish them forever in our hearts.”
The couple’s bodies were pulled from the estuary a day after fishing with a net.
Friends from Perth will farewell the beloved couple at a funeral service on March 30.