DepEd laments death of 2 students in Cauayan City school fun run

The Department of Education (DepEd) mourned the deaths of two students who died while participating in a "fun run" at Cauayan South Central School on Saturday.

"The Department of Education expresses its deepest sympathies to the families and school community mourning the tragic loss of two learners at Cauayan South Central School in Isabela," DepEd said in a statement on Saturday.

"DepEd is taking the necessary steps to establish the facts surrounding the incident and is coordinating with the local government and law enforcement authorities. A fact-finding investigation is underway, including a review of the activity, safety measures, equipment used, and the roles of those involved," it added.

It also asks the public to "respect the privacy of the affected children and their families and to refrain from sharing unverified information, names, photographs, or videos."

GMA News has reached out to the Cauayan City Police Station for confirmation and initial details on the incident, but has yet to receive a response.

In an update from a GMA News stringer, one student remains hospitalized and is still under observation, while another has been discharged after receiving treatment.

Police said the victims were in an area filled with bubbles when an electrical short circuit or grounding reportedly occurred, causing four children to be electrocuted.

DepEd has said that "appropriate action will be taken based on the findings."

'Profound sadness'

The Schools Division Office, meanwhile, confirmed that the incident happened on October 3, 2026, within the school premises.

The division office said it is already working closely with local government and concerned agencies to provide assistance to the victims in the incident.

It noted that, with Cauayan South Central School, the division office is fully cooperating with the authorities' investigation into the fatal incident.

In a statement, Cauayan South Central School expressed its grief over the unforeseen incident within its premises.

“The entire family of Cauayan South Central School, together with the School Parent-Teacher Association Officers, expresses its profound sadness over the tragic loss following an unforeseen incident within the school premises. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, and the entire school community during this difficult time,” the school said.

“... The school remains committed to the safety, welfare, and well-being of every learner. We recognize the importance of providing a caring, understanding, and supportive environment where learners feel valued, heard, and protected,” it added.

The Cauayan City Schools Division Office urged the public to refrain from speculating and sharing unverified information, and appealed to everyone to avoid sharing the victims’ and their families’ names, photographs, videos, or other identifying information out of respect for the privacy of the learners involved. —VAL, GMA News