A 10-year-old boy was found dead at a river in La Paz, Tarlac, after he and five friends went swimming on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

Rescuers from the La Paz Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) recovered the boy’s body from the Caut River on Monday, September 9.

Based on initial investigation, the boy and his friends decided to swim in the river, unaware of the dangers posed by swimming in the deep.

“May malawak kasi na bukirin na puno ng tubig so hindi na nila alam ‘yung sukat nung tubig. So, habang naglalaro sila, natuwa. Napunta sa malalim tapos ‘yung lima nakabalik, ‘yung isa naiwan,” Emmanuel Cumbe Ignacio, La Paz DRRM Operation Head, said.

The boy’s body was found five meters away from where he was seen last.

The water was estimated to be six to seven feet deep in the area where he drowned.

The victim’s family is in mourning over the tragic loss.

Authorities reminded parents to monitor their children closely, especially during floods or when near bodies of water, to prevent similar incidents.

"Lalo na po kung hindi marunong lumangoy o magpalutang, sa susunod na magkakabaha, pakisabihan na lang na huwag lumayo o huwag pumunta sa malalim kasi hindi natin alam ang pwedeng mangyari,” Ignacio said.