MAGALLANES, Agusan del Norte — Five minor children were safely rescued after they drifted into the waters of Butuan Bay while attempting to cross from Buenavista to the municipality of Magallanes to attend a local fiesta on Sunday.
According to initial reports from the Philippine National Police in Magallanes, the children—aged between 6 and 14 years old and all cousins—had agreed among themselves to follow their parents who were already in Barangay Buhang for a fiesta celebration. Instead of taking a safe and established route, the group attempted to traverse the bay using a makeshift raft made of tied bamboo poles.
The situation quickly turned dangerous when the children lost control of their improvised vessel and were carried away by the current into deeper waters.
A local fisherman noticed the group drifting helplessly at sea and immediately moved to rescue them. Authorities said the swift response of the fisherman prevented what could have been a tragic incident.
The children were brought ashore and turned over to the Magallanes Municipal Police Station at around 5:00 p.m. on the same day. They were reported safe and in stable condition, with no injuries sustained.
Police officials reiterated warnings to the public, especially parents and guardians, to closely supervise children and to avoid allowing minors to engage in risky activities such as crossing open waters without proper equipment or adult guidance.
Investigations are ongoing, but authorities emphasized that the incident highlights the dangers of unsupervised travel and the importance of safety awareness, particularly in coastal communities.