Weekend picnic turns tragic: 15-yr.-old girl drowns in Itogon’s Agno River

Itogon, Benguet - What was meant to be a fun Sunday picnic for friends turned tragic after one of them drowned while crossing the Agno River in Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet.

The group decided to swim on Sunday, March 10, at the famed Kalumbas Falls in the said area.

While their picnic at the waterfall was full of fun and laughter, an unfortunate incident occurred on their way home.

They had to cross the Agno River before reaching the parking area for vehicles, but while doing so, the river current suddenly became stronger, taking one of them, who eventually drowned.

The victim was identified by police as Jurie Mae Mesi Gulla, 15, a grade 9 student.

She was rushed to the Itogon District Hospital but did not survive.

To recall, it was in 2022 when the river claimed the life of a teenager due to its rapid water current.

In 2019, the river also claimed the lives of three high school female students while swimming.