Grade 9 student drowns in Davao del Sur river

HAGONOY, Davao del Sur – Rescuers from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) tried but failed to save a minor student, who drowned while crossing Guihing River over the weekend.

Police provincial director Sr. Supt. Allan Manibog on Monday identified the victim as a certain Dodong, 15, student of Holy Cross of Hagonoy and resident of Purok 7, Barangay Poblacion.

Citing investigation, Manibog said Dodong and his cousin Sam Capuyan, 18, along with other friends decided to hang-out at the river on Sunday afternoon.

While the cousins were crossing the river, they suddenly shouted for help as water was overwhelming them.

Manibog said one of their friends tried to save the two but because of the strong current of water only Capuyan was rescued.

The MDRRMC immediately responded and conducted a search and rescue operation for Dodong, whose lifeless body was recovered around 3:10 p.m. Sunday.

Rescuers brought Dodong to the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

Authorities warned the public against bathing in Guihing River because of the many incidents of drowning there due to the water’s strong current as well as sudden flooding especially when heavy rains occur in the mountains. /kga