Two minors died in separate drowning incidents in Davao City and Davao del Norte.

A 14-year-old boy drowned after swimming in Davao River in Barangay Dalagdag, Calinan, Davao City.

Police said the boy was swimming together with his friends under the bridge. However, the boy reportedly drifted off into deep waters and his friends could not save him.

His body was recovered afternoon on Monday, April 15, 2024.

Authorities said the group may have been under the influence of alcohol while they were swimming.

“Gi-rescue man siya sa barangay.. Nag-happening siguro sila sa iyang barkada and then naay enjoyment gamay. Ang sa atoa lang jud sir basta nakainom ta, ayaw na lang jud og langoy,” Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Spokesperson, Captain Hazel Tuazon, said.

The boy was rushed to the hospital, but he was declared dead upon arrival.

According to the DCPO, it was the fourth drowning incident in the city this year.

Meanwhile, a 10-year-old girl also drowned after swimming in Kapalong River in Kapalong, Davao del Norte afternoon on Monday, April 15. Her body was found along the river bank morning on Tuesday, April 16.

Investigators said the girl was swimming together with her friends. Her friends reportedly challenged her to go farther into the deep portion of the river even though she doesn’t know how to swim.

Residents were able to save the four companions of the victim except for her.

“Duol-duol lang siya kung asa sila nagdula. Duol-duol lang pud didto nga lugar siya nakita nga wala na’y kinabuhi,” Kapalong Municipal Police Station Chief, Major Joel Cabe, said.

Parents are urged to look after their children.

“Bantayan nato kung asa ang atong mga bata nagadula, samot na kung maligo sa sapa. Dapat naa gyu’y kauban nga adult para maiwasan ning ani na disgrasya,” Cabe added.