QUEZON, Bukidnon — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Bukidnon after a 12-year-old boy was found dead Tuesday morning, July 14, while search and retrieval operations continue for his six-year-old younger brother, who remains missing after both siblings were swept away by raging floodwaters while crossing a dam with their father.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 13 along the boundary of Barangay Lumintao in Quezon and Barangay Dagat-Kidavao in Valencia City, where heavy rains triggered a sudden and powerful surge of floodwaters.
According to initial reports, the two brothers, aged 12 and 6, residents of San Fernando, Bukidnon, were riding on a motorcycle driven by their father as they attempted to cross the dam. Without warning, a strong flash flood rushed through the area, striking the rear portion of the motorcycle.
The unexpected force of the water caused the children to be separated from their father, who was unable to hold onto them as they were swept away by the torrent.
Immediately after the incident, personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Quezon, together with police officers, rescue responders, and community volunteers, launched an extensive search operation in hopes of finding the two boys.
On the morning of July 14, rescuers recovered the body of the 12-year-old in a river along the boundary of Purok 6, Barangay Paitan and Purok Katipunan, an area where floodwaters eventually flow toward Dagat-Kidavao in Valencia City.
Authorities said earlier reports claiming that one of the children had survived were incorrect. The recovered victim was positively identified by his grieving family.
One of the most heartbreaking moments at the recovery site came when the boy’s grandmother, identified only by the alias “Nacia,” arrived and confirmed the identity of her grandson. Witnesses said she broke down in uncontrollable tears upon seeing the child’s lifeless body.
Meanwhile, authorities continue an intensive search for the missing 6-year-old boy. Search teams are combing nearby rivers and downstream areas, with responders, police personnel, and volunteers working together in hopes of locating the younger child.
Investigators are also gathering additional details surrounding the incident.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers posed by swollen rivers and flash floods during periods of heavy rainfall. Disaster officials continue to remind motorists and the public to avoid crossing flooded roads, spillways, and dams, as rapidly rising waters can become deadly within seconds.
The incident has left the victims’ family and the local community in mourning, while hopes remain that the missing child will soon be found.
The Mindanao Sentinel extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this time of immense grief. We also pray for the safe recovery of the missing six-year-old child and salute the tireless efforts of all rescuers and volunteers continuing the search despite difficult conditions.