MAITUM, Sarangani Province — A family in Barangay Wali is mourning the death of their 11-month-old baby boy who drowned in an irrigation canal near their residence at around 12:30 p.m. on November 1, 2026, as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, including possible negligence in the child’s supervision.
The victim, identified as baby Dominic, was reportedly found in the irrigation canal near their home in Purok Morning Star, Barangay Wali, Maitum.
Neighbors immediately came to the child’s aid and rushed him to the nearest hospital for emergency medical attention. However, despite efforts to save his life, the attending physician at Maitum Provincial Hospital declared him dead on arrival (DOA).
Medical findings identified the cause of death as acute respiratory failure secondary to fatal drowning.
The incident was formally reported to the Maitum Municipal Police Station by the child’s mother, identified only as alias Elvie, 42, at around 11:40 a.m. on November 2, 2026.
Following the report, police personnel, including a reactionary team and duty investigator, proceeded to the hospital in Barangay Malalag to examine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Initial information gathered by investigators indicated that the mother had reportedly left the baby under the care of his father while she attended to an errand. The father was allegedly drinking alcoholic beverages at the time, while the child was reportedly left without adequate supervision.
Investigators are looking into reports that the baby had been crawling around the area before accidentally falling into the nearby irrigation canal. When the mother returned, the child had already drowned.
The hospital’s assessment also reportedly suggested that the baby may have been submerged in the water for some time before being discovered.
Maitum Municipal Police Station Chief Police Major Ramil Aruelo said authorities are continuing to investigate all possible circumstances surrounding the incident and are not ruling out any possibility, including whether the child’s death involved circumstances beyond an accidental drowning.
Police are also assessing whether the father or any other person responsible for the child’s care may face legal consequences if negligence is established.
Police Investigator PCMS Hardy Sorongon said investigators are still gathering additional information to determine the sequence of events and establish whether the tragedy resulted from inadequate supervision.
As of the latest report, no formal charges had been announced, with authorities continuing to evaluate the evidence and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The child’s remains were brought to SOMO Funeral Homes in Barangay Malalag, Maitum, before being taken home for the wake.
The tragedy highlights the serious risks posed by irrigation canals located near residential communities, particularly to infants and young children who cannot recognize or avoid environmental hazards. It also underscores the critical responsibility of adults entrusted with the care and safety of young children.
Police said their investigation remains ongoing.