ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, Philippines — The search for two young men swept away by raging floodwaters in separate incidents in Zamboanga del Sur entered its second day on Sunday, July 12, as relentless rains and swollen rivers continue to hamper rescue and retrieval operations, leaving their families in anguish and desperately hoping for their safe recovery.
Authorities confirmed that King Amir Montila, 23, of Barangay Dalapang, Labangan, and Joel Ompoc, 24, of Barangay Baclay, Tukuran, remain missing after they were carried away by powerful flood currents on the morning of Saturday, July 11.
Rescue teams from multiple agencies have been scouring riverbanks and downstream areas since the incidents occurred, but as of this writing, neither of the two has been found.
Two Separate Tragedies
According to initial reports, Joel Ompoc was last seen shortly after 10:00 a.m. while attempting to swim across a swollen river in Barangay Baclay, Tukuran.
His companions reportedly believed he had successfully reached the opposite bank after losing sight of him. However, when he failed to reappear, they realized something had gone wrong.
In one of the most heartbreaking accounts, Joel’s father reportedly saw his son waving his hands from the river but initially did not realize he was already struggling against the powerful current. By the time the danger became apparent, Joel had already been swept away by the rushing floodwaters.
His mother continues to hold on to hope despite the grim circumstances.
“Buhi lang unta, sir” (“I just hope he’s still alive”), she reportedly said while waiting anxiously for updates from rescuers.
In a separate incident in Barangay Dalapang, Labangan, King Amir Montila was reportedly crossing the Labangan River at around 9:35 a.m. to gather firewood when the surging waters overwhelmed him and swept him downstream.
Village officials immediately sought public assistance, appealing to residents living along the river and coastal areas to report any possible sightings.
Massive Search Operation Continues
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Zamboanga del Sur said search and retrieval operations will continue until both victims are located.
For King Amir’s case, the operation has entered Day 2, with personnel from the:
- MDRRMO Labangan
- Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Labangan
- 53rd Infantry Battalion
- Barangay Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) Team
working together to search the Labangan River and nearby downstream areas.
Authorities have also urged anyone who may spot King Amir along the riverbanks or coastal waters to immediately report the information through emergency responders.
Meanwhile, rescue teams in Tukuran continue to search for Joel Ompoc along the river where he disappeared.
Dangerous Weather Persists
The incidents occurred amid continuous heavy rainfall that has caused rivers across parts of Zamboanga del Sur to swell rapidly, triggering dangerous flooding in several communities.
Authorities warned that fast-moving currents and rising water levels remain extremely hazardous, making rescue operations more difficult while increasing the risk to residents.
The public has been strongly advised to avoid crossing rivers, streams, and flooded areas while adverse weather conditions persist.
Officials emphasized that even rivers that normally appear shallow can become deadly within minutes during prolonged heavy rains.
Families Await Answers
As the search stretches into another day, the pain endured by the families of the two missing men continues to deepen.
Relatives remain stationed near search areas, anxiously waiting for any development while hoping rescuers can finally bring their loved ones home.
For now, hope remains alive as authorities vow to continue searching despite the challenging weather and dangerous river conditions that continue to threaten rescue efforts.