The Bacolod City government has provided assistance to the family of a 12-year-old student who drowned in a river in Barangay Vista Alegre on Wednesday afternoon, January 28.
The victim, identified as Johneil Beligan, was a Grade VI student.
Reports indicate that Beligan and several classmates went to the river after an early school dismissal, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office (BCCO) said on Thursday..
According to witnesses Beligan jumped into the water and his chin accidentally hit a classmate’s head. The blow caused him to lose consciousness and sink, the BCCO said.
A nearby resident attempted a rescue, but the depth of the water delayed retrieval by approximately 10 minutes.
Beligan was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead despite resuscitation efforts.
Mayor Greg Gasataya instructed relevant city government offices to provide immediate support to the family of the victim.
Public Employment Service Office Coordinator Jovelyn Canoy visited the Beligan family on the mayor’s behalf to offer condolences and ensure urgent assistance was provided, the BCCO press release said.
Groceries and essential items were delivered right away, while additional financial aid to cover burial costs and other needs is currently being processed, it said.
The victim was the youngest of four siblings and would have turned 13 this March.
In light of the tragedy, the city government issued a reminder to parents, guardians, and school authorities to heighten supervision of children, particularly regarding activities near bodies of water, to prevent future accidents.*
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