Three female students were rescued while another went missing after they were trapped in the river when the water swelled in Barangay Mother Poblacion, Cotabato City on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Police said the students, all 13 years old, went swimming after their class when the river’s water level rose suddenly following heavy rains in the upland area.

Authorities launched a rescue operation and rescued three of the girls. The fourth girl was reportedly swept away.

“Doon sa apat na yun, ang tatlo, marunong maglangoy, malamang nung tumaas pa yung river, kinaya nung tatlo, pero unfortunately, itong si alyas Khyla natin, hindi marunong maglangoy, ayon nga sa kanyang papa. So that’s why, ito yung nahagip ng tubig sa river ng Matampay Bridge,” Cotabato City Police Office Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Rochelle Evangelista, said.

According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), search operations have been expanded with the help of the Philippine Coast Guard, Mobile battalion Landing Team-6 of the Philippine Marines, and other agencies.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the students’ families and the school for a statement, as of this writing.

Authorities reminded parents to monitor the whereabouts of their children constantly.

“Sa ating mga magulang, always po nating i-check yung itinerary kung saan man sila pumupunta. Sa mga school natin, pwede nating bigyan ng kaalaman or awareness yung mga student natin. Ibigay po natin yung iba’t ibang safety tips, lalo na itong panahon ng tag-ulan kasi may pagkakataon na yung tubig natin ay biglang tumataas,” Evangelista added.