Two students tragically drowned at Ungga Falls in Sitio Ungga, Barangay San Salvador, Baras, Rizal, on Monday, January 20, 2025. The victims were identified as 18-year-old John Mike Pacion and his 17-year-old classmate.
According to an ABS-CBN News report, citing Police Major Robert Papa, chief of the Baras Municipal Police Station, the incident occurred when the victims and two other friends decided to go swimming at the falls after obtaining their medical certificates for a school immersion program.
“The victims, along with two other classmates, went swimming at Ungga Falls after securing their medical certificates, a school requirement. One of their classmates resides near the area in Sitio Paopawan, approximately two kilometers from the falls,” said PMaj Papa.
The 17-year-old victim jumped into the water first but struggled in the deep portion of the falls. Pacion attempted to rescue him but was also overwhelmed by the depth. The two other companions, unable to swim, sought help from rescuers.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and retrieved the victims at around 4:20 PM. Despite efforts to bring them to the hospital, both students were declared dead on arrival.
John Mike’s father, Pedro Pacion, shared that his son was about to graduate from senior high school and dreamed of becoming a police officer. He also expressed his heartbreak over his son’s heroic attempt to save his classmate.
“John Mike wasn’t fond of these activities. He was scared of deep waters since he was a child. He must’ve been encouraged by his friends. It’s just so heartbreaking that he couldn’t save himself or his classmate,” said Pacion.
The remains of John Mike are currently at a funeral home in Antipolo, Rizal, while the family of the other victim has declined interviews.
