Six-year-old boy falls into river in Mabolo

CEBU, Philippines – A six-year-old boy fell into the Lahing-Lahing River in sitio Kalinaw, Barangay Mabolo yesterday afternoon and was carried away by strong currents.

PO3 Candelario Maucesa of the Mabolo Police said Jerry Villacorda Sumampong was playing under the rain beside the river around 2pm with his brother Jason, 8, and at least 10 friends when he slipped and fell into the water.

The incident happened at the area right at the back of the barangay's sports complex.

One of the victim's companions reportedly jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue Sumampong, but the current was too strong that he lost grip of the child.

Sumampong was wearing a white shirt and striped shorts at that time. He remained missing as of last night.

The Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council, led by its executive director Alvin Santillana, has set up a rescue unit at the Subangdaku Bridge located at the boundary of Cebu City and Mandaue City where the child was expected to be washed off to.

Santillana said they are not discounting the possibility that the strong current has carried the child to as far as the seawaters of Mactan.

The victim's mother, Marites, said she was sleeping at the time of the incident. She reportedly was not aware that her children had gone out to play during the rain.

Santillana reminded parents, especially those families are living near rivers, to always keep an eye on their children to avoid the same incident from happening. (FREEMAN)