Arca South vows to help families of 3 kids who drowned in Taguig manhole

Ayala Land Inc.’s property development brand Arca South in Western Bicutan, Taguig City, has vowed to assist the families of the three children who drowned in a manhole in its private property.

“We are saddened by what happened and would like to express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” the Arca South management said in a statement Friday.

“Rest assured that they will be assisted during this difficult time,” it said.

On Thursday, Taguig City Police reported that three children -- two were six years old, while the other was eight years old -- drowned in a manhole situated in a private property at Arca South while they were playing in the area. 

The victims were rushed to the hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.

Arca South said the minors drowned in a six-meter-long x 4.5-meter-wide x 1.5-meter-deep rain-inundated excavated portion of an undeveloped area of Arca South, which was being prepared for road construction.

“The victims were immediately brought to the hospital for emergency medical assistance and their parents were informed as well,” it said.

The Arca South management said it is currently coordinating closely with local authorities in the investigation of the incident.

Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano said the area has been designated off-limits and has been cordoned off to the public as police and city officials look into the accident. --KBK, GMA News