DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — A 28-year-old man from Makilala, North Cotabato died after drowning in the waters off Barangay Dawis, Digos City, while attending a family Christmas gathering at a beach resort in the early hours of December 21, 2025.
The victim was identified as Glenn Rebuta, who was found lifeless and floating along the shoreline at around 10:45 a.m., several hours after he was reported missing. According to the Digos City Police Station, the victim’s 26-year-old wife, Annalyn Rebuta, sought police assistance at around 10:00 a.m. after failing to locate her husband, who reportedly went for a swim shortly after midnight.
Based on the wife’s account, the victim had been drinking alcoholic beverages during the family Christmas party before deciding to swim in the sea. Concerned authorities immediately coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard and barangay officials to conduct a search and recovery operation. Despite efforts to rescue him, the victim was declared dead upon recovery.
Police said the couple were both residents of Makilala, North Cotabato. The victim’s remains were brought to a funeral home in Kidapawan City for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
In the wake of the tragedy, authorities renewed their appeal to the public to observe caution, especially during the holiday season when beach outings and family gatherings are common. The police strongly warned against swimming in open waters while under the influence of alcohol, stressing that impaired judgment and reduced physical coordination significantly increase the risk of drowning.
“Holiday celebrations should never come at the cost of life,” authorities emphasized, urging families to prioritize safety, supervise one another during beach activities, and strictly avoid alcohol consumption before swimming to prevent similar incidents.