3 kids drown while swimming in Chico River along Junction, Pinukpuk

Pinukpuk, Kalinga – Three kids lost their lives in a tragic drowning incident on Sunday, July 7, in the Chico River along Junction, Pinukpuk.

The three victims decided to go to the river and swim, joining two others, according to police.

In a phone interview with Ruffy Manganip, Kalinga Police Information Officer, the victims who were all residents of San Juan, Tabuk City, were at Sitio Collog in Junction, Pinukpuk for a ‘palanus’ that day.

Palanus is a pre-wedding celebration in Kalinga which is done to confirm the union of a soon-to-be husband and wife.

At around noon, the five proceeded to the river to swim, unknown to their parents.

While enjoying, the 16-year-old noticed that the nine-year-old Xia Mananeng was already drowning in the deep portion of the river – more than 5 ft. as relayed by Manganip.

She tried to save the kid but not known to her, the two other kids identified as Mia Dela Cruz, 9, and Aico Daluping, 6, followed her to also help rescue their 9-year-old aunt. As a result, the two kids also drowned.

The 16-year-old called for help. The police were also called to the scene to rescue the victims and ferried them to Pinukpuk District Hospital. Sadly, the three were declared dead on arrival.

With said incident, Kalinga police advise residents to be extra careful when going to rivers this rainy season. They also reminded parents to let trained adults accompany kids should they go for a swim.