A 10-year-old boy who was supposed to start Grade 3 this new school year will no longer be able to attend school.

Based on reports, the boy fell into the river while playing on the riverbank in Barangay Ponong, Magarao around 2 p.m. on July 28, 2024.

His body was found the following morning, July 29, at around 6 a.m. in Barangay Carigsa.

"Ito pong kagawad duman, matibao po ning bobo. Siya po si nakahiling duman mismo. Duman sa lugar na dudumanan niya sa may puro kang pantalan. Nakataolob na po siya, nakabutwa lang si liog niya," Niño Babar, who assisted in the search, said.

It was reported that the river current was strong at that time and continuous rains have made surrounding areas slippery. 

The boy had been out selling snacks with his sibling and cousin before they took a break by the river. 

"Ang naging cause daa ay napadarinas. Pighiling mi po si hagyanan mismo kang pantalan, medyo malumot na po. Siguro, talagang hahalion mi muna itong lumot. Tapos sa mga magurang digdi kan Barangay Ponong, sabihan ang mga aki na dae magpasiring sa may pangpang," Leslie Asis, Barangay Councilwoman of Ponong, said.