KAPALONG, Davao del Norte — A family in Barangay Sampao, Kapalong, is mourning the tragic death of a three-year-old child who drowned in a fishpond near their home, police confirmed.
According to the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPO), the incident happened in Purok 6-A while the child’s mother was preparing dinner. Unnoticed by the family, the toddler had already gone missing for nearly an hour.
Despite frantic efforts by relatives to search the area, the child was not immediately found. It was only the following morning when the lifeless body of the minor was discovered floating in a nearby swampy area or fishpond, just a short distance from their residence.
The child was rushed to the Davao del Norte District Hospital – Kapalong Zone, but doctors declared the victim dead on arrival.
Police investigators said there were no signs of foul play in the incident. An autopsy was suggested as part of standard procedure, but the child’s parents declined.
Authorities described the incident as an accidental drowning and renewed their call for parents and guardians to remain vigilant, especially in communities with open water sources such as fishponds, rivers, and swamps.
“This is a painful reminder of how quickly accidents can happen, especially to young children,” a police official said. “We urge all parents to closely monitor their children at all times, both inside and outside the home.”
LGU Extends Assistance to Bereaved Family
Kapalong Mayor Timbol expressed his condolences to the grieving family and immediately extended financial and burial assistance through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).
On January 7, 2026, the MSWDO also provided psychosocial support to the family as part of the local government’s emergency social protection response to help them cope with the loss.
“This tragedy has deeply affected the entire community. We share in the family’s grief and will continue to provide support during this difficult time,” Mayor Timbol said.
A Troubling Pattern
The incident has raised concern among residents as it is not the first drowning case in the area. Records show that another three-year-old child accidentally drowned in the same barangay on January 6, 2025.
Local officials are now considering intensified safety campaigns and community awareness programs to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As Barangay Sampao mourns the loss of another young life, authorities are once again urging families to secure open water areas and ensure children are never left unattended — even for a short time.