The three persons rescued, and one body retrieved, in Barangay Budlaan, Cebu City did not register with the barangay on their way to Kan-irag Peak via a waterfall referred to by residents as “Kabang Falls.”
The three persons are said to be 19 years old. The casualty was identified as Jerson Caballes, 21 years old. However, their addresses were not determined yet, as of this writing.
According to Budlaan Barangay Chairwoman Nerissa Antolihao, the victim went with his female friends for a hike. They were bound for Kan-irag Peak in Barangay Sirao, passing by Kabang Falls in Barangay Budlaan. But because of heavy rainfall, the river swelled and was difficult to cross. The group got stranded evening on July 12, 2025.
Responders from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 7 Special Rescue Force said that because of the rain and the slippery terrain, it took the rescue about an hour to accomplish. In addition, there was reportedly another group at that moment that also needed assistance.
“Dili gyud ta malimot nga magpa-register sa atong barangay, kay as observed wa sad to silay kuyog from barangay mismo nga maka-guide nila ba, importante magpalista ta kay, just in case naay mahitabo ingon ani, ma-trace nga naay nangadto,” FO1 Cheska Embudo of BFP 7 Special Rescue Force said.
Embudo also said that one of the women first crossed the swollen river. The man followed.
“Niambak ang laki, [pero] basin og na-ratol siya, gipahubo unta ang iyang backpack, mao tong sa information ra pud nga akong na-receive. However, sa iya sigurong ka-ratol, wala niya nahubo ang iyang backpack, iyang nada, so na-submerge sya sa tubig, naka-add pud siguro to sa gibug-aton, plus ang su’g [current] sa ato na time is, heavy gyud siya,” Embudo pointed out.
Further, Antolihao mentioned that the group was warned not to pursue as rain was apparent in the upland portion of Budlaan.
“Pag-abot diri sa Sitio Baugo kay naa man mga tawo diri giingnan ayaw mo paglahos kay nag-uwan na didto sa bukid. Dako na baha moabot og maglugos mo. Niana man, nipadayon ra kuno,” Antolihao said.
Antolihao and BFP personnel urged visitors to listen to warnings on crossing a stream, or a river, as tributaries may seem narrow at first glance in the area when dry, but can go swollen during torrential rains.
“Kung magdag-om, mouwan, di na lang gyud unta maglugos, kon dag-om na kaayo [sa] bukid unya wala nag-uwan diri sa among barangay possible man na siya magbaha. Mag-amping gyud unta, di na lang molahos ba,” Antolihao added.
According to Jerson’s father, Patricio, the victim has just graduated from college. He graduated in June 2025, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
While Jerson, he said, asked permission to join a camping at Kan-irag Peak with his female friends, he did not know they were to cross a river.
Patricio said had he only known Jerson would engage in river-crossing, he would have either ushered him all the way to Kan-irag Peak, or would have prevented him from joining.
Patricio said that he has two children, Jerson is the younger one.
Jerson’s body was recovered near where the others were rescued.
(via Nikko Sereno, Fe Marie Dumaboc/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)
