9-yr.-old boy drowns while swimming in Tabuk irrigation canal

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A swimming with friends at the irrigation canal in Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City turned tragic after a 9-year-old boy drowned on Wednesday afternoon, April 22.

Initial report revealed that the boy, who is from Tinglayan, was swimming at the irrigation canal past 2:00 p.m. when he attempted to cross the waters to go to the other end of the canal. However, the boy did not make it to the other end after he was allegedly swept away by the water current.

Authorities were immediately alerted of the incident when the victim’s companions realized the 10-year-old was missing.

For more than two hours, the search and rescue teams from various government agencies together with civilians rummaged the irrigation canal to look for the boy.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection Tabuk City, the victim was discovered by a civilian around 4:50 p.m. Responding authorities immediately tried to revive the victim and rushed him to the hospital.

Unfortunately, in spite of efforts, the boy did not make it out alive.