SAN ISIDRO, Surigao del Norte — A 19-year-old woman died after drowning at the Blue Lagoon in Barangay Buhing Calipay, San Isidro, Siargao Islands, on the night of January 6, 2026, police confirmed.
The victim was identified as Lesley Jean Galgo Ellazo, 19, a student and resident of Purok 3, Barangay Buhing Calipay.
According to the San Isidro Municipal Police Station, Ellazo was with her classmates and friends at the lagoon starting around 7:00 p.m., where they were bonding, swimming, and drinking alcoholic beverages. At around 10:00 p.m., witnesses noticed Ellazo dive into the water but failed to resurface.
Her companions later discovered that she had become trapped in a narrow hole beneath the water, reportedly obstructed by wood that served as a water passage, making it difficult for her to escape. Several friends attempted to rescue her but were unsuccessful due to the strong current and limited visibility.
They immediately sought help from barangay officials, concerned citizens, and authorities. A joint rescue operation was conducted by personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Philippine National Police (PNP). Ellazo was finally retrieved from the water at around 11:00 p.m.
BFP personnel immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before she was rushed by ambulance to the Siargao Island Medical Center. However, despite medical efforts, she was declared dead by the attending physician at around 12:00 midnight on January 7, 2026. The cause of death was determined to be drowning.
During the rescue attempt, Albert Cagas, 25, a resident of the same barangay, nearly drowned while trying to help Ellazo. He experienced difficulty breathing due to exhaustion and was also rushed to the hospital for treatment. He is currently under medical observation.
Police said the victim was believed to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, which may have contributed to the tragedy.
The remains of Lesley Jean Galgo Ellazo are currently at Gades Funeral Homes in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, while the family mourns her untimely death.
Authorities have renewed their call for the public to exercise caution when swimming in natural bodies of water, especially at night and under the influence of alcohol, to prevent similar incidents.