'It's extremely painful that you're both gone': Filipino couple who died in WA remembered by their loved ones

Last March 13, the pair left work around 4 PM and decided to go to Herron Point for net fishing. They failed to report to work the next day prompting a search by their colleagues.

Jon and Leslie Ballo died last March 14 while engaged in fishing activity at an estuary south of Mandurah in Perth.

Key Points

• Jon and Leslie Ballo arrived in Perth nine years ago.
• The Filipino couple died while engaged in fishing activity at an estuary south of Mandurah in Perth.
• They were survived by their 13-year-old daughter.

"She gave everything to us even if there was nothing left for herself," Lei Ortega-Moises, sister of Leslie Ballo said.

Perth resident Leslie Ballo drowned alongside her husband Jon last March 14 while engaged in fishing activity at an estuary south of Mandurah in Perth.

The couple, who are survived by their 13-year-old daughter, arrived in Perth nine years ago.

In a Facebook post, Ortega-Moises posted the last video that she edited of the couple.

The video features the Ballos talking about their faith and relationship.

A snapshot of the last video edited by Lei Ortega-Moises | Photo from Facebook

"Ate [older sister] and Kuya [older brother], I know you're in a beautiful place with the Lord. We love you very much. It's extremely painful that you're gone," she said.

Ortega-Moises acknowledged her late sister’s hard work for their family and her many good qualities.

"She was extremely kind; you couldn't find anything negative to say about her. She didn't know how to pick fights with others.

"My Ate worked hard so we could finish our study. She was like my mother and the breadwinner of our family.”

She also paid tribute to her brother-in-law.

"Kuya was so kind, he was helpful and understanding. I'm blessed to have him as my brother-in-law."

In her post, she stated that if she were given the choice of a sister, she would choose no one else but Leslie.

"We love you very much. Rest in paradise, Ate and Kuya."

The couple were survived by their 13-year-old daughter. | Photo from Facebook

Last March 13, the pair left work around 4 PM and decided to go to Herron Point.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the head pastor [add name] of New Life Filipino-Australian Community Church (NLFACC) stated, “They are a hardworking couple, whom I have known since they arrived in Perth. They typically return home around midnight due to their work commitments.

“As part of their bonding time, they would engage in net fishing.”

At 6 AM on Thursday, the Ballos failed to report to work.

Sol Armada, Leslie's supervisor, was alerted by the absence, prompting a search. Armada then informed the police of the couple’s disappearance.

Armada said that attempts were made to reach the couple, but Leslie was not answering calls and Jon’s phone was out of reach.

After a two-hour drive from Midland to the Pinjarra area, Armada and the head pastor found Jon’s parked car at 9:15 AM.

Together with the police, the two organised a search party along the shores within a kilometre radius while waiting for the arrival of additional rescue teams.

The airwing team found Jon and Leslie only 50-60 metres offshore.

The couple recently renewed their vows this March 2024 | Photo from Facebook

The searchers stated that they received radio information indicating that the Ballos were in a face-up position, signifying a survival stance.

The head pastor recalled what followed, saying, “Three rescue boats from the Peel region rushed to the reported location but faced difficulties due to the shallow waters. Some areas were merely knee-deep at that time.

“A land-based rubber boat was called upon to physically reach their [Jon and Leslie] exact location. By noon, they were finally brought ashore, where paramedics and other teams awaited at the jetty.”

“As the rubber boat approached, I couldn't avoid thinking that the worst had happened."

At 12:30 PM, the couple's identities were confirmed.

A prayer fellowship was held in the couple's residence the following night.

Jon's siblings arrived in Australia from Canada on Thursday.

No details were given regarding the wake for the couple.