A tragic weekend outing turned deadly after a sudden flash flood swept away 19 residents at Mini Asik-Asik Falls in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District.
Authorities confirmed on Monday, September 15, that the bodies of two girls — aged 12 and 13 — were recovered in separate areas along the Talomo River. Search teams continue to look for five others who remain unaccounted for.
According to the Davao City Police Office, the victims were part of a group swimming on Sunday, September 14, when heavy rains triggered an upstream surge that carried them downstream. Twelve were rescued, while seven were initially reported missing.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Alfredo Baloran reminded the public that the site has long been declared unsafe. “The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-11 already classified the area as a danger zone back in 2022 due to landslide and flood risks,” he said. He stressed that entry has been prohibited and ordered barangay councils and security groups to strictly enforce the ban.
Authorities explained that the creek feeding the falls connects to larger river systems in Davao prone to flooding during downpours, making the area especially hazardous.
Meanwhile, police reported another drowning incident on Monday morning. The body of a 47-year-old laborer, identified as Noel of Barangay Tamayong, was found on the riverbank in Barangay Riverside, Calinan District. The case has been referred for further investigation.
Rescue teams said search operations for the remaining missing persons are ongoing.
