Trahedya sa Cagayan: Dalagita at tiyuhin na sasagip sana sa kanya, parehong nalunod sa Chico River

- A 17-year-old female visitor and her 44-year-old uncle drowned during what is supposed to be a happy picnic that suddenly turned tragic

- The incident happened last Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Chico River in Santo Niño, Cagayan

- The uncle, identified as “Alyas Leon,” jumped into the river to search for his niece, “Alyas Marlene,” after she went missing, but he also failed to resurface and was later declared dead on arrival

- The niece’s body was found the following morning, Sunday, June 1, 2025, about 30 meters from where the group was swimming

A tragic incident in the Chico River on Saturday, May 31, 2025, claimed the lives of a visiting teenager and her uncle in Barangay Namuccayan, Santo Niño, Cagayan, underscoring the inherent dangers of unfamiliar waters.

The duo, who were visiting relatives in the area, drowned during what was intended to be a leisurely picnic and swim.

According to reports from the Cagayan Provincial Information Office, the 17-year-old female victim, identified as “Alyas Marlene” from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, and her 44-year-old uncle, “Alyas Leon” from Taguig City, joined five other relatives for a picnic by the Chico River.

The group decided to take a swim, but the festive atmosphere quickly turned into a desperate search when Marlene was noticed missing from the river.

In a heroic but ultimately fatal attempt to save his niece, Alyas Leon immediately plunged into the river to search for her.

However, he, too, failed to resurface from a deep section of the river. The sudden disappearance of both individuals sent shockwaves through the group, prompting an urgent call for rescue.

Rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the scene. The body of Alyas Leon was the first to be recovered from the turbulent waters.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival, a testament to the swift and unforgiving nature of the drowning.

The search for Alyas Marlene continued through the night and into the following day. Her body was eventually located on Sunday morning, June 1, 2025, approximately 30 meters from the spot where the group had been swimming, specifically near the Namuccayan Bridge.

Her discovery brought a somber closure to the desperate search.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential hazards of natural bodies of water, particularly rivers known for their strong currents and unpredictable depths like the Chico River.

Authorities, including the Cagayan Police Provincial Office (CPPO), consistently issue warnings to the public, urging extreme caution when engaging in swimming or recreational activities in rivers, especially if one is unfamiliar with the specific area.

These warnings often highlight the importance of assessing water conditions, avoiding deep sections, and refraining from swimming alone.

The family of the victims has opted not to issue further statements regarding the tragedy, choosing to mourn their profound loss privately.

The local authorities, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Santo Niño, continue to remind residents and visitors alike about water safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This heartbreaking event in Santo Niño, Cagayan, underscores the critical need for vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines when near river systems.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, Madam Kilay criticized TikTok influencer Yobab for her profanity-laced review of a café in Iloilo, urging her to give feedback respectfully. She warned influencers against abusing their platforms, saying that having many followers doesn't excuse irresponsible behavior. Madam Kilay accused Yobab of prioritizing viral content over the reputation of small local businesses. The issue reignited calls to declare Yobab persona non grata in Iloilo, with netizens demanding more accountability from digital creators.

Still in other news, a man who was allegedly hallucinating due to the intake of illegal substances was arrested. He slashed the neck of his live-in partner amid such hallucinations. Based on the report of News5, the suspect put his arm around the victim and instantaneously slashed her neck. Neighbors saw the bloody victim struggling as she got out of their home, and immediately brought her to the hospital.

Source: KAMI.com.gh