DAVAO CITY – Due to bad weather, the Davao City Disaster Risk Response and Management Office (CDRRMO) suspended search and rescue operations for three missing flash flood victims (initially reported as seven) past noon on Monday, September 15.
Earlier, city rescue teams recovered four bodies from flash floods that struck Barangays Tamayong and Carmen near Mini-Asik Asik Falls before heavy rains forced a halt to operations.
At least five individuals were swept away by strong currents at Mini-Asik-Asik around 1:30 PM on Sunday during a family outing, while three others were caught in floodwaters in Tamayong. Rescue efforts began at 2 PM Sunday, with teams saving 12 individuals, mostly residents of Buhangin and Agdao on a day trip.
Before the suspension, two female victims—a 12-year-old and a 29-year-old from Buhangin—were retrieved. The 12-year-old was found along the Talomo River in Barangay Malagos at 7:26 AM, while the 29-year-old was recovered in Mintal around 1 PM. Two male victims—a 47-year-old and an 11-year-old from Tamayong—were also found in Calinan at noon.
Officials noted that floodwaters likely carried the victims several kilometers downstream before they were discovered over 12 hours later in different barangays along the Talomo River.
Barangay Carmen officials urged future visitors to coordinate with local authorities for safety updates, emphasizing that Mini-Asik Asik Falls remains closed due to its hazardous conditions. The unofficial tourist spot, known for its curtain-like waterfalls and social media appeal, is prone to landslides and flash floods.
A viral video showed people seemingly trapped by rising floodwaters on Sunday, though it remains unclear if they were among the missing or recovered victims. (Yas D. Ocampo, with reports from Alyssa Ilaguison)
