OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental — A 55-year-old man died after accidentally falling into a deep well at Purok 2, Barangay Tabid, Ozamiz City, on Sunday afternoon, August 23, 2026.
The incident occurred at around 3 p.m., prompting an immediate response from personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Ozamiz City Fire Station, the Ozamiz City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local residents who joined efforts to rescue the victim.
The BFP said its Special Rescue Force (SRF), together with the BFP Ozamiz Emergency Medical Services team and personnel from BFP Tangub City, carried out a technical retrieval operation under the leadership of Acting City Fire Marshal FInsp. Precious Marciano R. Cortes, MPA.
Responders used specialized rope-rescue equipment and confined-space extraction techniques to safely reach and retrieve the man from the deep well. The operation took several hours because of the hazardous conditions and depth of the well.
The victim was identified as Jj Perez, 55, single, and a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Tabid, Ozamiz City.
Despite the rescuers’ efforts, Perez was reportedly declared dead on arrival after being transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
The incident underscores the dangers posed by uncovered or unsecured deep wells and other potentially hazardous excavations, particularly in residential and community areas.
The BFP emphasized that the successful retrieval operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of multiple responding agencies and community members. The incident also highlighted the importance of maintaining readiness for technically challenging rescue situations requiring specialized equipment and personnel.
Authorities have not released additional details on what caused Perez to fall into the well. Further information may be provided as authorities continue to document the circumstances surrounding the incident.