A 50-year-old man and his seven-year-old niece died after they were swept away by floodwaters while crossing a river in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), rescuers found the man’s body around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Earlier that day, residents and rescuers had recovered the body of the man’s niece, who also drowned in the river.

It was learned that the man was accompanying his two nieces, seven and 12 years old, as they crossed the river on their way home from school. The two girls reportedly cross the river regularly, even during floods.

Authorities believe the victims were caught by a sudden surge of floodwater, causing them to be swept away.

The 12-year-old girl survived.

“Duda ko nagbulhog og otro ba ang baha mao tung wala niya (mabantayan). Natulod  daw niya tong usa katung si Princess mao tung nasalbar, ang katung gamay gyud, silang duha mao tuy naanod,” MDRRMO Operation and Warning Section Chief, Diego Clavedo, said.

The bodies of the victims have been turned over to their family.

State weather bureau PAGASA said the heavy rains experienced in the area was due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).