Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte — A 12-year-old boy remains missing after he was reportedly swept away while swimming in a lake in Sitio Tambak, Barangay Lower Taviran, on the afternoon of April 26, 2026.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Aljune,” had been under the care of his grandfather, Nur Butukan, when he asked permission around 2:00 p.m. to go swimming with friends. According to the family, the boy joined several other children at a nearby lake, a common recreational spot in the community.
Moments later, concern arose when his companions noticed that Aljune had suddenly disappeared from the water. Efforts to locate him immediately proved unsuccessful, prompting an urgent response from local authorities and residents.
Search, rescue, and retrieval operations were swiftly launched, with responders scouring the lake and surrounding areas. Witnesses said the boy may have been carried away by strong currents, which are believed to have intensified at the time of the incident.
Butukan revealed in an interview that his grandson had a pre-existing medical condition, which may have contributed to the incident. He noted that the child occasionally experienced attacks related to the illness, raising the possibility that Aljune may have suffered an episode while in the water.
As of this writing, the search operation remains ongoing, with authorities and volunteers working against time to locate the missing boy. The family continues to hold on to hope for his safe recovery, while the community has rallied in support, joining efforts to assist in the search.
Local officials have also reminded residents, especially parents and guardians, to exercise heightened vigilance when allowing children to swim, particularly in natural bodies of water where currents can be unpredictable.
Further updates are expected as the operation progresses.