Grade 6 pupil drowns after colliding with classmate on river
JOVELYN Canoy (left), coordinator of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), visits the family of the Grade 6 pupil on behalf of Mayor Greg Gasataya to offer condolences and extend urgent assistance. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
BACOLOD CITY – A 12-year-old Grade 6 pupil drowned on a river in Barangay Vista Alegre here on Wednesday, Jan. 28, two months before his elementary graduation and 13th birth anniversary in March.
The victim, the youngest of four siblings, went to the river with several classmates after a half-day class.
He jumped into the water and accidentally collided with classmate in the head with his chin. He lost consciousness and sank.
A resident witnessed the incident and attempted to help but the river’s depth delayed the rescue. The boy was recovered and taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
Mayor Greg Gasataya directed concerned offices to provide immediate aid to the victim’s family and convey the city’s deepest sympathies. The city government pledged continued support and coordination with relevant agencies.
Gasataya reminded parents, guardians, and schools to closely supervise children’s activities, especially near bodies of water, to prevent such tragedies.