LANTAPAN, Bukidnon — A young boy who allegedly spent three days sleeping on top of a mango tree after reportedly being driven away from home has finally been reunited safely with his parents through the help of a concerned citizen in Lantapan, Bukidnon.
The incident gained public attention after a video uploaded by local resident R-Jay Anlaw Hontiveros circulated online showing the child being assisted down from the mango tree where he had reportedly been staying for several days.
According to the uploader, the child had been surviving mainly by eating mangoes picked from the tree and had no proper food or shelter during the ordeal. Concerned for the boy’s condition, Hontiveros personally helped rescue the child and brought him to his home to provide food, clothing, and temporary shelter.
In a social media post, Hontiveros said the boy appeared weak and had not changed clothes or eaten properly for days.
“Gipadayon nako siya sa balay, nakakaon na siya og panihapon, gipaligo ug gihatagan og sanina kay pila ka adlaw na daw siya walay ilis-ilis ug walay tarong kaon,” he shared.
The concerned citizen also assured the public that the child was safe while efforts were being made to contact his family.
Later updates revealed that the boy’s mother and father had already communicated with Hontiveros and arranged to fetch the child. The uploader added that the child was finally able to sleep comfortably after being given clean clothes, food, and a blanket.
“As of now, nakatulog na og plastar ang bata, naa nay habol ug naka-ilis na og sanina,” he wrote.
The child has since been safely reunited with his parents.
The incident drew sympathy from netizens, many of whom praised the kindness and compassion shown by Hontiveros toward the young boy. Others also expressed concern over the child’s welfare and the circumstances that led him to spend several days alone on top of a tree.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.
Video and information courtesy of R-Jay Anlaw Hontiveros.