Gov. Edduba commends Coast Guard, BFP, PDRRMO in retrieving body of 16-year-old in tragic Pinukpuk well incident

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Governor James S. Edduba commended the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Kalinga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) for their coordinated efforts in retrieving the body of a 16-year-old boy who died after becoming trapped inside a deep well in Pinukpuk on August 11.

The victim, known to his family and community as “Pullat,” was a resident of Barangay Junction, Pinukpuk. He was reportedly working inside an approximately 17-meter-deep well with a companion when a power interruption caused the blower supplying air into the well to suddenly stop.

According to the initial police report, the two were finishing their work when the blower stopped. Pullat was unable to get out of the well and was later declared dead at the scene.

Following a request for assistance from BFP Pinukpuk and the Municipal Government of Pinukpuk, the Kalinga PDRRMO team and Philippine Coast Guard personnel stationed at the Provincial Capitol proceeded to the area to assist in the retrieval operation.

The responding agencies coordinated their efforts to safely recover the victim from the deep, confined space. After several hours of operation, the teams successfully retrieved Pullat’s body at around 5:05 p.m.

Edduba expressed his appreciation to the agencies and individuals who responded to the incident and worked together despite the difficult conditions at the site.

“Pagyamanan met ti tulong ti Philippine Coast Guard, BFP, Kalinga PDRRMO ken amin nga nagtitinnulong iti daytoy nga pasamak,” Edduba said.

The governor also extended his condolences to Pullat’s family and assured them that the Provincial Government of Kalinga is ready to provide assistance and support as they cope with the loss.

“Makiladingit ti intero nga Kalinga PLGU iti ipupusay ti anak ti probinsiya dita Pinukpuk…Ikararag tayo ti pamilia ni Marky Jay. Nakasagana met ti Provincial Government of Kalinga a tumulong ken mangsuporta iti pamilia iti aniaman a wagas a kabaelanmi. Sapay koma ta ti Diyos ti mangited pigsa, liwliwa, ken talna bayat ti panagladingitda iti pannakapukaw ti ay-ayatenda,” he said.

The incident also highlights the importance of safety precautions when working in deep and confined spaces, particularly where continuous ventilation is required. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by authorities.