TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur — A day of play turned into tragedy after three minors died while two others survived following a drowning incident along the shoreline of Purok Doña Nicolasa, Barangay Mabua, on Wednesday afternoon, April 29, 2026.
According to initial reports, the victims—five children aged between 8 and 15 years old—were swimming and playing in the sea using inflatable tubes when they were suddenly swept away by strong waves. The force of the current reportedly carried them farther from the shore, causing them to lose grip of their flotation devices and fall into deeper waters.
A concerned parent who witnessed the incident immediately sought help, prompting a swift response from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) of Tandag and the Philippine Coast Guard Substation Tandag. Rescuers rushed to the scene and launched search and retrieval operations amid challenging sea conditions.
Four of the children were initially recovered and rushed to a nearby hospital, where emergency responders administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to two of them who were found unconscious. Despite efforts to revive them, two were declared dead on arrival.
Authorities later confirmed that a total of three children—two boys and one girl—lost their lives in the incident. Two female survivors were also accounted for: one has since been discharged and is now recovering at home, while the other remains confined in the hospital but is reported to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, the fifth victim, a male who was initially reported missing, was discovered lifeless during follow-up search operations at approximately 9:15 a.m. on April 30.
Local authorities have coordinated with barangay officials and the city government to provide assistance to the grieving families, including financial aid and psychosocial support. Monitoring of the surviving victim is also ongoing.
The incident has once again raised concerns over safety in coastal areas, particularly for children. Officials reiterated the importance of strict parental supervision during swimming activities and urged the public to exercise extreme caution, especially in areas known for strong waves and unpredictable currents.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are still ongoing.