Drainage mishap claims life of 6-year-old in La Trinidad, Benguet

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Technical Support Company (TSC) of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB15) carried out a Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) operation in Barangay Lubas, La Trinidad, Benguet, following a distress call from a concerned citizen reporting a drowning incident on the afternoon of September 27, 2023.

According to RMFB15 TSC executive officer Kyle Mezzanine D. Lumiwes, the operation was initiated in response to the urgent plea for assistance.

Reports from RMFB15 TSC reveal that a tragic incident unfolded as a 6-year-old girl and her older sister were walking alongside the road in Pipingew, Barangay Lubas.

In a tragic turn of events, the young victim accidentally slipped and plunged into a concrete drainage channel, where she was swiftly carried away by the forceful current of water, fueled by heavy rainfall.

The RMFB15 TSC immediately sprang into action, coordinating their efforts with the Bureau of Fire Protection-La Trinidad, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and Barangay Officials.

Their combined and tireless efforts led to the successful rescue of the young victim from the raging waters.

However, despite their valiant attempts and the rapid transportation of the victim to the Benguet General Hospital for medical treatment, the attending physician declared her deceased.

The entire community and local authorities have been deeply saddened by this tragic incident.

The victim’s family is undoubtedly devastated by the loss of their young loved one.

The authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions, especially during inclement weather.

The Technical Support Company of RMFB15 continues to be committed to the safety and well-being of the community and will remain vigilant in responding to emergency situations.