10-year-old dies after falling into Santa Rosa river amid flash flood

A 10-year old boy died after falling into a river and getting drifted away in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The victim was identified as Lito Pintang, who was picking up waste beside a river in Barangay Pook, according to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion on Thursday.

Pintang was about to get out of the river bank when he reportedly slipped and got swept away by the current.

"Nahulog po siya, may inaabot, biglang nahulog, dumulas na pailalim. Biglang nauntog po doon (rock)... May sumagip po dito, nahawakan ko 'yung tatlong daliri, biglang dumulas po sa kamay. Wala na rin po akong nagawa kasi malayo na po ako," Pintang's friend narrated.

"Sasagipin nga daw po kaso malayo na daw," said the victim's kin Maribel Pintang.

Pintang's body was found beside the river at past 12 p.m. on Thursday, just near the scene where he was drifted by the waters.

Waters rushed amid the good weather in Santa Rosa, reaching the national highway and causing traffic for vehicles.

The flash flood left thick mud at Barangay Kanluran, and residents have to clean up their houses.

Staff were able to secure the books and other learning materials at the Barangay Kanluran Day Care Center, saving them from the flood.

Santa Rosa is often hit by sudden floods. The town experienced a larger flash flood seven years ago.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said the flood on Wednesday, which affected six barangays, resulted from heavy rains in Tagaytay City and Silang, Cavite, together with casual rain in the high part of Santa Rosa. —Jamil Santos/LDF, GMA News