Manila: The body of a seven-year-old boy, who was reported missing while swimming in a crocodile-infested river in Palawan, southwestern Philippines, was found Thursday morning by a group of divers, police said.

The body lay some metres away from the place where the boy disappeared. It bore 19 bite wounds, police reported.

Mostaqem Ebrahim was swimming with his brother Jadnor when attacked by a crocodile. Jadnor then promptly sought help. Jadnor told authorities the crocodile bit his brother and dragged him underwater.

Their father, accompanied by neighbours, was able to catch a large crocodile. However, when they cut open its belly, no part of the victim's body was found inside.

Palawan, an environmentally preserved province, is home to dangerous crocodiles.