Sagay Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva has ordered an immediate review of river safety measures and emergency response protocols following the deaths of two Grade 10 students, who were swept away by strong currents while at Himogaan River in Brgy. Malubon of the city.
The directive came following the joint search, rescue, and retrieval operations, from Jan. 9-11, for two boys 15 and 16 years old, who were caught in a sudden flash flood caused by heavy rainfall, and were swept away by the strong current, the city said Jan. 20.
The first victim was found at around 10 a.m. Jan. 11 at the Fabrica Wharf by members of Bantay Suba of Brgy. Paraiso, while the second body was recovered at about 11 p.m. that same day in Sitio Dukol-Dukol, Brgy. Himogaan Baybay, or several kilometers downstream from the site of the incident.
The city said that on Jan. 9, around 10 students went to the Himogaan River to celebrate a birthday when a sudden flashflood due to the heavy rainfall in upstream mountainous areas occurred. All students were able to reach the riverbank, except for the two victims.
Cueva stressed the need to improve early warning coordination between upland and lowland barangays to ensure that sudden changes in river conditions are communicated quickly and effectively.
He expressed deep sympathies to the bereaved families for the tragic loss of young lives.
He also directed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, barangay officials, and concerned city offices to strengthen preventive measures, including clearer warning systems, stricter monitoring of river activities, and intensified public information campaigns, especially during the rainy season.
The city government will also assess existing river access points, signage, and community-based monitoring mechanisms to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
The Sagay CDRRMO said the operation tested the physical and emotional endurance of responders, who continued the mission under difficult conditions until all possible efforts were exhausted.
It called for understanding and responsible public discourse, noting that emergency responders undergo continuous training and operate under protocols designed to save lives in complex and unpredictable situations.
Cueva said the city government remains committed to learning from the incident, supporting first responders, and strengthening disaster preparedness to better protect communities.
He also thanked the CDRRMO, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire-Sagay, the police, Bantay Suba groups, and barangay councils of Malubon and Paraiso, for helping in the search and retrieval operations. ||
