A 60-year-old man drowned while his 30-year-old son survived after they were swept away by floodwaters while crossing the Tuwaan River in Barangay Mapurok, Alamada, Cotabato on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

The man’s body was recovered during search and rescue at the Libungan River in Barangay Camansi the next day.

MDRRMO said the two did not notice that the water rose rapidly while they were crossing the river.

As they were finding their way through the raging waters, the two got carried away but the man eventually lost grip of his son.

“Kasama niya yung anak niya na tumawid tapos naabutan ng ulo ng baha, so naanod silang dalawa, mga 100 meters. Sadly, yung tatay, nakabitaw doon sa anak kaya naanod  yung tatay, yung anak, naka-survive,” MDRRMO Head, Engr. Jeanne Pulmones, said.

MDRRMO added that the flooding was caused by heavy rains brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Authorities urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant as the rainy season approaches.