A 14-year-old sacristan drowned while swimming in a river in Barangay Putat, Tuburan, Cebu on Sunday afternoon, June 28, 2026. The victim, Randz Raphael Abuan Dalaguite, was declared dead on arrival at the local hospital.
Incident Details
According to Police Staff Sergeant Alfeche Mangaron of the Tuburan Police Station, the victim and his friend Jerry Avenido had attended Mass earlier that day. After returning home, they decided to swim at a river spot known as "Hidden Paradise," located about 10 kilometers from the town proper. They had to walk an additional three kilometers because the road was too steep for vehicles.
Upon arriving, the victim repeatedly dove into a hole formed by large boulders. "According to his companion, the victim jumped and kept diving into the hole among the big rocks because the water was very clear," Mangaron said.
Discovery and Rescue
After several minutes, Jerry noticed that his friend had not emerged from the other side of the rock hole. He dove in and found the victim stuck underwater, with the water depth estimated to be neck-deep. Jerry immediately pulled him out, and bystanders attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Personnel from the Tuburan Andam Emergency Responders arrived and rushed the victim to the hospital, but he could not be revived.
Possible Cause
The victim sustained a wound on his right forehead and scratches on his body. Mangaron said the victim may have hit his head on a rock. Despite being a capable swimmer, the strong current may have trapped him underwater.
Before the tragedy, the victim had told his friend they could not stay long because they still had to serve at Mass that afternoon. Police suggested an autopsy, but the family declined, believing there was no foul play involved.
