16-year-old swept away in Tuba, found dead next morning with severe head injuries

TUBA, Benguet — What was supposed to be a picnic with friends ended in tragedy after a 16-year-old female student was swept away by a strong river current in Barangay Camp 3, Tuba, Benguet, on August 19, with her body recovered the following day.

According to the Tuba Municipal Police Station, the victim, a resident of Barangay Camp 1, Tuba, had gone on a picnic along the Buo River with five other minors.

While the group was on their way home, her companions noticed that she had been swept away by the river. One of them reportedly attempted to rescue her but was unable to reach her because of the strong current and river conditions.

A search and rescue operation was immediately launched by personnel from the Tuba Municipal Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and volunteers.

Responders continued searching for the teenager through the night. She was eventually found at around 8 p.m. on August 20 in the Ampasit River, where she had reportedly been carried by the current from the Buo River.

The victim was declared dead due to traumatic brain injury and skull fracture secondary to a fall, according to police information.

Family sees no foul play

Following the recovery of the victim’s remains, her family reportedly believed that no foul play was involved in the incident.

The parents declined an autopsy and brought their daughter’s remains to their home in Gusaran, Kennon Road, Camp 1, Tuba, where the family mourned her loss.

Police withheld other sensitive details surrounding the incident to protect the privacy of the grieving family and the minors who witnessed the incident. The other minors who were with the victim were reported safe. Barangay officials have since secured the area where the incident occurred.

Another warning from recent tragedies

The incident came just two days after another drowning-related tragedy in Benguet.

On August 17, a 58-year-old man was reportedly swept away by strong creek currents in Sitio Duheb, Barangay Bahong, La Trinidad. His body was recovered shortly after noon through the efforts of police, disaster personnel, firefighters, barangay officials, and volunteers.

In March 2026, a 25-year-old security guard who had been reported missing was also found in the Balili River. An examination later confirmed drowning as his cause of death, while police ruled out foul play.

The recent incidents serve as another reminder that rivers and creeks can quickly become dangerous when currents intensify, particularly during or after periods of heavy rain.

What may appear to be a calm stretch of water can become hazardous within minutes, making caution and vigilance essential whenever people are near rivers and other waterways.