CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte — A 22-year-old criminology student from Butuan City died after drowning at the Lusong Cold Spring on Saturday afternoon, May 2, 2026, authorities confirmed.
The victim, identified only as “Kyle,” was a resident of Barangay Ampayon in Butuan City. According to the Philippine National Police in Cabadbaran City, the incident occurred at around 3:00 p.m. while the victim was swimming with his girlfriend and a sibling at the popular tourist site located in Sitio Lusong, Barangay Puting Bato.
Initial investigation revealed that Kyle swam toward a deeper portion of the spring and attempted to dive. However, he failed to resurface, prompting immediate panic among his companions. His girlfriend reportedly sought help from other swimmers in the area as the situation unfolded.
Responders from the Cabadbaran City Emergency Response Team (CERT) were quickly dispatched to conduct search and retrieval operations. After a coordinated effort, the team recovered the victim’s body later that afternoon. He was declared dead on arrival, and his remains were subsequently turned over to his family.
Authorities have reiterated warnings to the public about the dangers of swimming in natural bodies of water, particularly in areas with varying depths. They urged visitors to exercise extreme caution and avoid diving into unfamiliar or deep sections to prevent similar tragedies.
Following the incident, management of the Lusong Cold Spring announced the temporary closure of the resort until further notice. In a public advisory, they said the closure aims to ensure guest safety and to allow for maintenance and safety improvements.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and truly appreciate your understanding and continued support,” the management said, adding that updates on the reopening schedule will be announced in due time.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over safety protocols in natural tourist destinations, particularly as the summer season draws more visitors to swimming spots across the region.