MAGPET, Cotabato — A victory celebration turned into a tense rescue operation after more than 30 basketball players and their families were stranded on an islet in the middle of Kabacan River in Barangay Doles, Magpet, Cotabato on Sunday afternoon.
According to resident and eyewitness Zuriel Penuela, the group, mostly from Barangay Binay, decided to celebrate their basketball win by swimming in the river around 3:30 p.m. They were enjoying the water when it suddenly turned muddy brown, an indication of heavy rainfall in the upstream areas.
Moments later, the river’s current intensified, making it dangerous for the group to cross back to the main bank. With the rising water and strong flow, they were forced to remain stranded on the islet.
Quick-thinking companions and concerned residents responded by securing ropes and working together to manually pull the stranded individuals to safety. The rescuers formed a human chain, guiding the players and their families one by one across the rushing waters.
In total, more than 30 people were successfully rescued through sheer teamwork and bayanihan spirit. Thankfully, everyone made it home safe, with no reported injuries.
Penuela noted that the situation could have been far worse, recalling previous incidents in the area where sudden surges of river water had swept away both people and livestock.
The rescue coincided with widespread rains experienced across Cotabato and nearby provinces, which contributed to the swelling of rivers and streams in the region.
Authorities continue to remind residents to exercise caution when swimming or gathering near rivers, especially during the rainy season when flash floods and sudden water surges pose serious risks.