A 5-year-old boy died after drowning in an open septic pit in Purok Pag-Asa, Barangay Tawan-Tawan, Baguio District, Davao City on Saturday evening, May 16.
According to the Baguio Police Station, officers received a report from a concerned citizen around 9:25 p.m. regarding the incident. Police immediately responded and conducted an investigation at the scene.
The victim was identified only through the alias “Sep,” a minor and resident of the area.
Based on the testimony of the victim’s relative identified as Juleto, the child was found submerged inside the septic pit around 7:40 p.m. while he was on his way home. The child was immediately brought for assistance, but he no longer had a pulse and was no longer breathing.
In a separate account from the family, the victim’s mother Jennifer Mariano said she began searching for her son Joseph past 5 p.m. after he failed to return home. She said her younger sibling had also tried to look for the child.
Neighbors reportedly last saw the boy around 4 p.m. playing and bathing in the rain. However, by 5 p.m., he could no longer be found, causing concern among family members.
Around 7 p.m., the victim’s uncle identified as J-Ar discovered a slipper floating in the water-filled open septic pit. Using a bamboo pole, he stirred the water and the child’s body surfaced without signs of life.
The victim’s body was later brought by his family to Angel Funeral Parlor in Calinan for proper handling.
Police said the family no longer requested an additional investigation or autopsy, although the Baguio Police Station continues its investigation into the incident.
Authorities also reminded the public to remain cautious, especially with children near construction sites and open pits, to prevent similar tragedies.
