LOCAL authorities have debunked a viral social media post claiming that a rescuer went missing during flood rescue operations on Friday night, confirming that all deployed security and emergency personnel have been fully accounted for.
The clarification came following the swift mobilization of emergency forces on July 24, when torrential rains brought on by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) caused the Talomo River to overflow, submerging several low-lying communities across Davao City.
Amid the emergency response, a post circulated online claiming a rescuer was lost in the field.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) immediately conducted an urgent verification process against the official personnel manifest at the incident command post.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) simultaneously audited all deployed Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel.
Both agencies confirmed that zero personnel were missing, declaring the online claims as false information.
“The DCPO reminds the public to verify information through official government channels and refrain from sharing unverified reports that may cause unnecessary alarm during emergency situations,” the police office said in a statement.
The false report coincided with intense water rescue operations led by the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao and partner security clusters in Barangay Talomo.
Coast Guard Station Davao, alongside Coast Guard Sub-Station Matina Aplaya and the Special Operations Unit Southeastern Mindanao, deployed rubber inflatable rescue boats to navigate flooded neighborhood streets, extracting stranded residents and trapped families as water levels rose.
According to the latest situation report from the ICP, a total of 72 families—comprising 301 individuals—were safely evacuated and temporarily sheltered at the Lourdes Evacuation Center.
By 3:05 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, the CDRRMO officially declared the affected areas clear as the Talomo River’s water levels began a steady retreat, allowing deployed security teams to disengage and return to station.
With the immediate floodwaters cleared, agencies shifted operations toward community cleanup and relief.
Joint clearing and sanitation teams from the CDRRMO, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Engineer’s Office, Ancillary Services Unit, Public Safety and Security Office, and the Bureau of Fire Protection remain active in affected barangays to clear debris and mud left by the overflow.
Simultaneously, the City Social Welfare and Development Office distributed hot meals, relief packs, and clean drinking water to displaced families at the evacuation center.
