DAVAO CITY – A sudden surge of water at the Mini Asik-Asik Falls in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District on Sunday, September 14, triggered panic among visitors and left several individuals swept away by the strong current of the Talomo River.
At around 12:56 p.m., the creek water rose rapidly, submerging areas near the falls and trapping visitors. Witness Janelle Kaye Santiago, who shared a video of the incident, described how quickly the floodwaters rose.
“Abi gyud nako’g mamatay na mi. Seconds lang gyud kalit lang og saka ang water. Mga tao makita namo naanod na. Maayo na lang super abtik akong manghod,” Santiago told SunStar Davao in an online interview. She added that her younger siblings and companions helped pull them to safety.
Authorities confirmed that 12 individuals were successfully rescued after being trapped due to the sudden rise of river water. Those rescued include:
- Eight individuals from Leon Garcia
- One from Doña Pilar, Sasa
- Three from Emily Homes, Cabantian
Rescue efforts were carried out with the help of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) of Central 911, the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) of the Davao City Police Office, barangay Talomo River rescue teams, and local volunteers from Barangay Sirib. The first group of stranded visitors was rescued at 6:13 p.m., followed by another batch at 7:13 p.m.
However, five individuals remain missing after being swept downstream around 2:15 p.m. Reports said seven people were carried away in total, but only five have been identified so far—two men, one woman, and two female minors, all residents of St. Jude, Barangay Buhangin. The identities of the remaining two are still being confirmed.
One earlier reported casualty was found pinned in a rocky portion of the river but could no longer be reached when rescuers arrived as rising water levels swept the victim further downstream.
Police Major Bernado explained, “Apil na sa naanod mam, pero pag abot namo diha sa lugar wla na nakita pud ky nidako usab ang bahā mam, posible naanod pag usab.”
As of press time, search and rescue operations are ongoing, with Baguio Police Station coordinating with nearby police stations to check their areas of responsibility for possible sightings of the missing individuals.
Authorities remind the public to always monitor weather conditions and exercise caution when engaging in outdoor and river activities.