Three students were rescued after they were stranded in the middle of the Pangi River in Maitum, Sarangani afternoon on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Police said the sudden rise in the water level and strong current prevented the students from reaching the other side of the river.

Two of the students are 21 years old while the other is 22 years old.

To rescue the students, responders tied a rope to a coconut tree, and held on to it to enter the water and avoid getting carried away.

According to the Sarangani Police Provincial Office, the students had gone to the other side of the river earlier that day. To return home, they crossed the river again but got caught in the water rising.

“That time, umuulan sa taas sa mga bulubundukin natin several hours ago and nang tatahakin ang daan na yun, biglang tumaas yung tubig at yun nga, muntik na silang madale sa flashflood,” Sarangani Police Provincial Office Director, Col. Deanry Francisco, said.

The students underwent debriefing.

The Police Regional Office-SOCCSKSARGEN (PRO-12) lauded the police personnel involved in the rescue.

“Despite na meron kaming election duties, nag-responde pa rin kami para makagawa ng paaraan para makatulong sa ating kababayan,” Francisco added.

State weather PAGASA said the bad weather condition experienced in Sarangani at that time was due to the easterlies.