Search and retrieval operations for 13.-yr.-old boy who drowned in Patulao River of Kiangan, Ifugao continue

Ifugao, Philippines - The search operations to find a missing 13-year-old boy believed to have drowned in Patulao River along Barangay Hucab of Kiangan, Ifugao, continue entering the third day.

Authorities identified the victim as Christen Banguid, a resident of the same town.

In a report shared to GURU Press Cordillera by Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Officer (MDRRMO) Anne Grace Dumangeng, Christen was seen frolicking along the riverbank with his peers on Saturday morning. At around 11:30 a.m., April 5, it was said that the victim dove into the whirlpool area and had difficulty moving.

A companion who saw the dive noticed something was wrong. He jumped and attempted to save Christen but had to surface for air. When he turned back to help again, his friend was no longer in sight.

The group then called for help from individuals nearby, who later called the authorities.

Upon receiving the call, the MDRRMO, along with Kiangan cops and fire officers, and barangay DRRMC, initiated search and rescue efforts. Locals also lent a hand but to no avail.

The search resumed on Sunday with the assistance of the Ifugao Police Provincial Office (IPPO), Provincial BFP and other local swimmers but had to call off the operation at 7 p.m. for safety concerns.

More divers from other agencies are expected to be deployed to continue scouring the river in hopes of retrieving Christen’s body.