Bodies of drowned teens in Cagayan River retrieved, says PCG

MANILA, Philippines — The bodies of the two 14-year-old boys who drowned in the Cagayan River have been retrieved, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday.

The PCG said in a statement that the bodies of the teenagers were retrieved at Purok 7, Natappian, Solana, Cagayan on Maundy Thursday.

The boys were initially reported missing on Holy Wednesday, with their companions recalling that they had intended to swim in a nearby river.

This photo from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows retrieval operations for the bodies of two teenage boys who drowned in the Cagayan River. The boys were first reported missing on Holy Wednesday, March 27, 2024, and the PCG said their bodies were retrieved on Maundy Thursday.

READ: Two 14-year-old boys drown in Cagayan River

“The two victims, who also did not know how to swim, unconsciously reached a deep part of the river, causing them to drown,” the PCG said.

It also said the search, rescue, and retrieval team has already released the bodies to their respective families.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier ordered local government units to enhance the deployment of personnel to prevent more drowning fatalities.

READ: Over 200 died due to drowning from January to March – PNP

“We should learn from the drowning incidents last year, and I am sure the LGUs will deploy emergency teams,” said DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order Oscar Valenzuela during a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City, on March 22.

Police officers were likewise deployed in tourist areas like resorts and rivers.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said in the same press conference: “They will also monitor to make sure that our lifeguards are properly deployed.”

At least 7,000 police officers were tasked with monitoring the deployment of lifeguards and ensuring public safety in tourist areas.