PRESIDENT ROXAS, North Cotabato — A tragic drowning incident claimed the life of a Grade 8 student after she was swept under while swimming in a large creek in Barangay Idaoman on Friday noon, January 30, 2026.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Samantha,” was a resident of Barangay Latagan, Matalam, Cotabato. Authorities said she was swimming with several friends when the incident occurred.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of President Roxas immediately responded after receiving the report at around 12:00 p.m. Initially launched as a search-and-rescue operation, the mission was later shifted to search-and-retrieval after it was determined that more than an hour had passed before the incident was reported.
Rescuers faced significant challenges due to the murky and low-visibility condition of the water, which hampered efforts to locate the victim quickly. Despite these difficulties, the MDRRMO team persisted and eventually recovered the body of the student.
Based on initial investigation, Samantha and her companions reportedly decided to bathe in the creek shortly before the tragedy unfolded. Authorities did not indicate any foul play.
Strong Safety Reminder
Following the incident, the MDRRMO issued a stern warning to the public, urging residents—especially parents and guardians—to closely supervise minors and to discourage swimming in deep, fast-flowing, or unfamiliar creeks and rivers, particularly when water conditions are unclear or dangerous.
“Natural waterways can turn deadly in seconds,” the MDRRMO stressed, reminding the public that poor visibility, sudden drop-offs, strong undercurrents, and delayed reporting can mean the difference between life and death.
Officials also called on communities to report emergencies immediately, as delays drastically reduce the chances of successful rescue.
The incident serves as a painful reminder of the hidden dangers of open bodies of water and the critical role of vigilance, timely reporting, and responsible supervision in preventing similar tragedies.