Police officer revives drowning boy in Kalinga

TANUDAN, Kalinga — A police officer’s swift response and life-saving CPR brought back an 8-year-old boy who had stopped breathing after being pulled from the waters of Tawang Falls in Barangay Pangol, Tanudan, on April 2, 2026, according to Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO CAR).

Police Staff Sergeant Denver C. Dumagdag of the Tanudan Municipal Police Station, a member of PNP Class 2014-01 “SINAG-ALAB,” was at the scene when the incident occurred during what was initially a recreational visit to the area.

Authorities said the boy was retrieved from the water unresponsive, prompting panic among family members and bystanders.

Dumagdag immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), performing chest compressions and rescue breaths in a sustained effort to revive the child.

After several minutes, the boy regained spontaneous breathing, drawing a gasp that signaled the return of vital life signs.

Rescuers from the Bureau of Fire Protection and local health personnel later arrived to provide further medical assistance.

The child was subsequently brought to a nearby health facility for monitoring and recovery.

PRO CAR credited the coordinated response and the police officer’s immediate intervention for the successful revival, emphasizing the importance of first-aid readiness in emergency situations.

Authorities did not immediately release further details on the boy’s current condition but said he was stabilized following the incident.