Grade 3 Student Dies After Drowning Drowns While Swimming in Pasig River
A Grade 3 student lost his life after drowning while swimming in the Pasig River near Barangay Barangka Itaas in Mandaluyong City.
On Monday afternoon (June 29, 2026), barangay officials received a report that several children were swimming in the river.
Authorities immediately planned to go to the area and remind the children that swimming there was not allowed because of the dangers it posed. However, before they could reach the site, one of the children had already gone missing underwater.
When officials arrived, they found residents already helping in the search. Several community members had entered the river and were working together to locate the missing child. They used a rope and searched the area as quickly as possible in hopes of finding him alive.
After more than 30 minutes of searching, the nine-year-old boy was found by his own uncle beneath the water. Responders immediately checked his condition and attempted to revive him before rushing him to the hospital. Despite their efforts, the child did not survive.
“Medyo bloated na po yung tiyan niya tapos yung bibig niya po medyo maputla na talaga. Wala na po siyang breathing at pulse po. Pilit pa rin naming ni-revive hanggang madala sa ospital,” Barangay Barangka Itaas Deputy Fire Chief Raymundo Macario said.
Authorities later learned that the boy had just come from school and went to the river with his friends. Initial findings showed that the children entered the water to swim, unaware of the risks present in the area.
Barangay officials explained that the river can be deceptive. While some sections appear shallow, the water becomes much deeper after only a few steps. The riverbed is also muddy, making it difficult to see beneath the surface.
Relatives described him as a cheerful and friendly child who had many dreams for the future. They shared that he enjoyed playing basketball and spending time with friends. The local authorities strengthened monitoring efforts along the river.
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