Two male students from Cagayan drowned during a picnic at Sitio Bontoc, Barangay Aciga, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, on December 21, 2024.
The victims were identified as Renz Cherlton Mangulad Tamalayan, 20, a second-year BS Criminology student from the University of Cagayan Valley, and Mark Denver Bunagan Pamittan, 18, a first-year Marine Transportation student from the same university.
According to Police Lieutenant Rolandon P. Bongallon of the Pinukpuk Philippine National Police, the victims were part of a group of individuals from Tuguegarao City visiting Big Stones in Barangay Aciga.
While swimming, the victims attempted to cross the river to the opposite bank but were swept away by the strong current on their way back.
Two companions, Malon Calagui and Angelo Espinosa, tried to rescue the victims but were unsuccessful due to the strong current.
Local residents assisted in the search, and the bodies were later found beneath large rocks downstream.
The victims were brought to Pinukpuk District Hospital, where they were declared dead by Dr. Aiza B. Catriz-Mastrier.
Authorities from the Pinukpuk PNP are coordinating with the victims’ families as part of their ongoing investigation.