Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong confirmed a dialogue transpired with the family of the ill-fated student who lost his life July 28, Monday, at the height of monsoon rains.
Magalong refused to give any statements or comment on the incident but asked for calm and implored the public to respect the privacy of the family in the difficult situation they are facing, assuring police investigation is ongoing.
The mayor said the death of the boy is the first casualty the city has logged due to the almost month-long rains.
In a separate interview, Baguio City Police Information Officer Police Information officer Major Marcy Grace Marron confirmed the death of a male 7th grader from a public school in the Guisad area.
Marron said the police spot report on July 28 confirmed that an 11-year-old was found lifeless in a canal in the Guisad area by a resident who asked personnel of a nearby government facility to help rescue the boy.
The police report showed the 11-year-old was found in a raging waterway in the afternoon after class suspensions were announced.
Marron said further details will be released when available.
On July 27, the city suspended classes until kindergarten in a public announcement made via the Baguio Public Information Office due to torrential rains and winds brought by Typhoon Emong and the monsoon.
On the morning of Monday, July 28, a belated announcement was made for a class suspension until 6th grade; later into the day, another suspension was given for senior high school students to go home.
Magalong said class suspensions are based on available data on rainfall and expected weather situation in consultation with the Department of Education and University and college presidents. By Maria Elena Catajan
