Three teenagers were rescued from rising water level at a river in La Libertad town, Province of Negros Oriental.

The three were trapped in a shanty on an elevated part of the swollen river. 

River water rose swiftly due to adverse weather condition morning on July 17, 2025.

Two of them are siblings, while the other is their cousin, ages 14 years old, 17 years old, and 16 years old, respectively. 

Personnel of the La Libertad Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) responded to a call for help from the teenagers' parents.

The three were not able to cross Mandapaton River in Barangay Solongon, La Libertad, because of strong current.

According to the Local DRMMO, the three minors were asleep in a shanty on an elevated area in the middle of the river.

Raging floodwaters prevented the three from leaving the area.

An official of the La Libertad DRRMO admitted the challenges in facilitating the rescue because of strong current. They had to wait for the slight receding of water level before carrying out the rescue operation to ensure the safety of responders as well.  

The three were pulled from their dangerous location before the water level could rise again.

“Dili man gyud na siya maagian og dako nga baha, dili kaayo na siya molalum diha, naay mga balay-balay didto sila nangatulog, wala sila makalabang paingon sa pikas barangay. Pagkabuntag nagkakusog ang baha maong gipa-rescue na lang sila kay na-trap na man, di na man sila makalabang,” said Janice Nicolas, assistant operation officer of La Libertad DRRMO. 

(via Vic Camion)