SANCHEZ MIRA, Cagayan — Mayor Abraham Bagasin has imposed a temporary ban on swimming in the coastal areas of Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, following the tragic drowning of a young national taekwondo athlete, the prohibition is intended to prevent further accidents while the local government reviews safety protocols along the town’s shores.
The victim was identified as Ramdolph Salvador, a 13-year-old gold medalist and national taekwondo athlete. The circumstances of his death have drawn local praise for his bravery.
- The Incident: On the afternoon of Monday, May 11, Salvador was swimming with five friends when they were caught in a strong current and swept out to sea.
- The Sacrifice: Mayor Bagasin told the Inquirer that Salvador reportedly sacrificed himself to save his five companions. While his friends were successfully rescued, Salvador was swept away and went missing.
- Recovery: After a 48-hour search, his body was spotted by fishermen on Wednesday morning, May 13, along the shores of Barangay Masisit.
In response to the tragedy, the municipal government has enacted the following measures:
- Immediate Ban: A temporary swimming ban is in effect for all coastal villages, including Masisit and Dammang.
- MDRRMO Monitoring: The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), led by Jovitor Biado, has been tasked with patrolling the beaches to ensure residents and visitors comply with the order.
- Lifting of the Ban: Mayor Bagasin stated that the prohibition would likely be lifted in the coming days once additional safety warnings and lifeguards are stationed in popular swimming spots.
The death of the young athlete has sparked an outpouring of grief in the taekwondo community and among local officials.
“I do not think he would have died if he did not save them. He knew how to swim and was a national taekwondo athlete, at that. He displayed the true spirit of a martial artist even in his final moments.” — Mayor Abraham Bagasin
The incident in Sanchez Mira occurred almost simultaneously with another drowning report in Tuao, Cagayan. A 12-year-old boy remains missing after reportedly being accidentally pushed into the Chico River while playing with cousins. Rescuers from the Task Force Lingkod Cagayan-Quick Response Team (TFLC-QRT) are currently conducting search operations in that area.