Drowning incident transpired at the Dumalon River, Zone 7, Brgy. Tulungatung, Zamboanga City at 11:40 AM of January 2, 2021. The victims were identified as Ryan Beraque Matapa, 35 years old, married, and Ryeanne Tagapan Matapa (daughter), 8 years old both of Zone 7, Brgy. Tulungatung, Zamboanga City.
Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, the daughter dive into the river, and when the father saw her struggling, he also jumped into the water to rescue his daughter but unfortunately, he was not able to save his daughter instead he was also drowned together with his daughter.
Search and rescue were being made by the family and neighbors and found the victims after more or less one hour. The victims were revived but gave a negative result.
Furthermore, despite the series of reminders and posting of prohibitions in the area made by the private owner of the property in close coordination with the barangay officials and the Zamboanga City Police Station 9, the people were still discreetly coming and taking a bath in the said river.
Cadavers were brought to villa funeral homes for funeral services.
(PCpt. Edwin A. Duco, Chief Public Information Officer)
(Source: Public Information Office – Police Regional Office IX)