Davao City — A heartbreaking tragedy claimed the lives of a father and his two young sons after they were swept away by sudden floodwaters while swimming in the Talomo River in Barangay Calinan Poblacion, Davao City, on Tuesday afternoon, May 26, 2026.
According to reports from the Davao City Police Office, the incident happened at around 2:30 p.m. in Purok 6, Feria Street, when the victims were caught by a sudden surge of floodwater while bathing in the river.
The fatalities were identified through aliases as “Gerry,” 38 years old, his 8-year-old son, and his 4-year-old son.
Initial police investigation revealed that the father and his children were swimming in the river when the water level suddenly rose and strong currents swept them away.
Authorities immediately launched a massive search and rescue operation involving personnel from Calinan Police Station 10, the 2nd CMFC SWAT, SMQRT of the 1st CMFC, and local responders.
At around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, rescuers first recovered the body of the 4-year-old boy after he was found floating near the riverbank in Purok 8. Responders from Barangay Riverside immediately retrieved the child and brought him to safety.
Following overnight and continuing rescue operations, authorities later recovered the bodies of Gerry and his 8-year-old son.
Reports said the bodies of the father and child were discovered in an irrigation canal located downstream from the river where they were believed to have been swept by the raging floodwaters.
The tragic incident has shocked residents of Barangay Calinan Poblacion and renewed concerns over the dangers posed by sudden flooding and strong river currents during heavy rains.
Authorities continue to remind the public to avoid swimming and staying near rivers, creeks, and flood-prone waterways during unstable weather conditions to prevent similar incidents.