DAVAO CITY – Grief continues to weigh heavily on the families of the victims of the sudden flash flood at Asik-Asik Falls in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District, as authorities confirmed that five of the seven individuals swept away by raging waters have been found lifeless.
According to the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), search and retrieval operations were suspended at 3:39 p.m. today, September 15, due to unfavorable weather conditions. The operations are expected to resume tomorrow, September 16, in hopes of locating the two others who remain missing.
The recovered victims were identified as:
- A 47-year-old male resident of Barangay Tamayong
- A 12-year-old female from Barangay Buhangin
- A 13-year-old female from Purok 3, Tamayong, Calinan
- An 11-year-old male from Barangay Tamayong
- A 29-year-old female from Barangay Buhangin
Their bodies were retrieved in different areas along the Talomo River channel by police units, barangay responders, and rescue volunteers. Authorities confirmed the identities through coordination with Police Stations 9, 10, and 11, and with the victims’ own families.
Despite the tragedy, two individuals remain unaccounted for, leaving their loved ones clinging to hope as responders prepare to continue the difficult search.
Authorities also reminded the public that Asik-Asik Falls has been closed to tourism and recreational activities since January 2023 due to its high susceptibility to landslides and flooding, as assessed by the DENR-Mines Geosciences Bureau XI. A public advisory strictly prohibiting entry has been repeatedly issued, but visitors reportedly continue to enter the area. An investigation is now underway to determine lapses in the enforcement of these safety measures.
As Davao City mourns with the bereaved families, officials urge the public to heed warnings and avoid high-risk areas, especially during heavy rainfall, to prevent further loss of lives.