6-yr.-old swept by strong river current in Banaue, Ifugao

Banaue, Ifugao—Authorities and community members are racing against time in Banaue, Ifugao, as they continue searching for a six-year-old Grade 2 pupil who was swept away by strong river current on Tuesday, August 19.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Office of the Municipal Mayor Executive Assistant James Damoyan said the victim and his four classmates went to the river in Barangay Cambulo around 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. that day for a swim.

In their narratives, the other four said the 6-year-old ascended a big rock, preparing to jump into a section of the river where the flow was gentler. However, he slipped and tumbled into the part with a strong current and was taken.

“Napan da ag-swimming kanu idi kalman (August 19) 12:00 to 1:00 p.m….Lima da nga estudyante. Kuna diay kakadwa na nga ubbing, idi kanu kumalay-at diay dakkel nga bato tas kasla nga tumapwak sa idiay part ti river nga haan unay napigsa ti ayos na ket naigalis, nattennag ketdi idiay ayan ti napigsa ti current na ket naiyanod,” relayed Damoyan, adding that the incident was reported to the Mayor’s office around 4:00 p.m.

Damoyan said the children tried to save their classmate but were not able to do so, as they could not overcome the strong current. They then reported the matter.

Upon receiving the report, said office immediately dispatched rescuers to save the boy. Unfortunately, the victim was not found by nightfall; hence, the search and rescue operation restarted earlier this day, August 20.

“Di in-report da ditoy munisipyo iti 4 o’clock, ket dagus nga na-dispatched dagitoy PNP, BFP, MDRRMC, ken daduma pay nga mabalin mausar. Napan da nga dagus idiay river (Cambulot River). Napan da nag-search and rescue, pero inggana rumabii awan pay ti nabirukan da isunga tatay agsapa manen napan da manen. They are in three groups tapno ada maysa mapan Batad ken duwa diay Cambulo, in coordination with the officials of the barangays,” he added.

As of this writing, the victim is still missing, and the search continues.

*This is a developing story…