TWO students drown while gathering clams in Isabela

Initial findings revealed that at around 2:00 p.m., May and Jon were gathering freshwater clams, locally known as tulya, along the river with a 13-year-old companion, referred to as “Leo” when the incident happened.

 Jones, Isabela – A drowning incident along the Cagayan River in Barangay Usol, Jones, Isabela, on Thursday afternoon, April 30, claimed the lives of two minors.

The victims were identified by police as a 15-year-old student, referred to as “May,” and a 9-year-old child, referred to as “Jon.”

According to a report from the Jones Municipal Police Station, the incident occurred at around 2:20 p.m. but was reported to authorities at approximately 2:39 p.m. on the same day.

Initial findings revealed that at around 2:00 p.m., May and Jon were gathering freshwater clams, locally known as tulya, along the river with a 13-year-old companion, referred to as “Leo.”

The witness told police that the two decided to swim while collecting tulya. Moments later, he noticed them struggling in the water and called for help.

A 27-year-old resident, identified as Jaymark, heard the call and immediately responded to assist the victims while emergency responders were en route.

The victims were retrieved from the water and rushed by personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to a nearby hospital.

Unfortunately, both were declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Following the incident, authorities reminded the public to exercise caution when swimming in rivers, especially in areas with deep waters and strong currents, to prevent similar tragedies.