A grieving family in Malaybalay City is demanding justice following the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy who allegedly drowned after falling into a deep excavation pit reportedly dug by Ulticon Builders Inc. in Purok-8, Barangay Silae on Thursday afternoon, May 14, 2026.
The victim, identified only by his alias “Jun2x,” was declared dead after he accidentally fell into one of several deep holes excavated in a creek area by a backhoe operated by workers of the construction firm.
According to initial accounts gathered by local authorities and members of the media, the incident happened at around 3:00 p.m. while the minor was on his way home from their upland farm where he had reportedly been planting corn with his family.
Relatives of the victim said the child failed to notice the excavation site along the creek, leading to his fatal fall into the water-filled pit. They alleged that the holes dug in the area were deeper than a person’s height and had no warning signs, barricades, or any visible safety measures installed to prevent accidents.
The victim’s family further claimed that there were at least three massive pits excavated in the creek area by a backhoe operated under the contractor’s project.
The child’s mother expressed anguish and frustration over what she described as negligence on the part of those responsible for the excavation.
She alleged that residents immediately sought assistance from the backhoe operator after witnessing the boy fall into the pit, hoping heavy equipment could help speed up rescue efforts. However, according to the family, the operator allegedly refused to act immediately, saying he still needed permission from their office before responding.
Because of the delay, relatives and nearby residents reportedly took matters into their own hands and worked together to dive into the deep pit in an attempt to rescue the child.
Despite their efforts, the boy was eventually retrieved lifeless from the excavation site.
The heartbreaking incident has sparked outrage among residents in Barangay Silae, with many questioning why dangerous excavation work in a public and residential area allegedly lacked proper security precautions.
The victim’s family said they are determined to file charges against those responsible for the excavation and are calling for accountability over what they believe was a preventable tragedy.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding possible liabilities and whether safety violations were committed in connection with the excavation operations.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.