9-yr.-old drowns while swimming with 2 classmates in Isabela irrigation canal

Santiago, City, Isabela - A Grade 3 pupil tragically lost his life after he drowned in an irrigation canal in Santiago City, Isabela, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. 

According to the police report obtained by several local media outlets in Isabela, the drowning incident happened in the afternoon of said day in Barangay Saganam, Santiago City. 

It was said that the 9-year-old victim went swimming with two classmates in the irrigation canal in said barangay after finishing their afternoon class at around 3:00 p.m. . 

While swimming, the boy unintentionally floated into the deeper section of the irrigation and was swept away by the strong current, resulting in his drowning.

Startled, the other two pupils quickly sought assistance from a nearby resident, who immediately contacted the authorities to save the victim.

Upon notification, responding teams from the Santiago City Police Office, Rescue 1021, and barangay officials of Sagana and Baluarte conducted search operations until the 9-year-old’s body was retrieved the same day with a faint pulse. 

The child was then rushed to the Southern Isabela Medical Center but was not able to reach the hospital alive. The attending physician declared him dead on arrival.