Tragic Playtime Incident Claims Young Life
A heartbreaking accident in Argao, Cebu has left a community in mourning after a 5-year-old boy lost his life during what should have been an innocent play session with his cousin. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, around 5:00 PM in one of the barangays of Argao Municipality.
The Fateful Afternoon
According to Police Executive Master Sergeant Vivian Tamayo, investigator from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of Argao Municipal Police Station, the tragedy began when the 5-year-old victim asked his mother for permission to gather crabs at the creek with his 8-year-old cousin at approximately 2:00 PM that same day.
The mother's concern grew when, at around 4:00 PM, she saw the 8-year-old cousin returning home alone. When she inquired about her son's whereabouts, the older child simply stated that he had been left behind at the creek.
Fearing the worst, the 27-year-old mother immediately sought help from barangay officials and neighbors to search for her missing child. Their worst fears were confirmed when they discovered the young boy floating in the creek, already lifeless, with visible wounds on his ear and neck.
Investigation Reveals Tragic Details
The WCPD of Argao Municipal Police Station quickly launched an investigation in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. During their interview with the 8-year-old cousin, the heartbreaking sequence of events emerged.
The children had been playing with mud when the victim asked his cousin to clean his back because it was itchy. When the older child refused, the victim hit him with his hand. Without realizing he was holding an extremely sharp cutter, the 8-year-old struck back, accidentally hitting his cousin's neck.
Initially, the older child thought his cousin was unharmed, which led him to return home alone, leaving the victim crying by the creek. Before leaving, he threw away the cutter he had used during the altercation.
Both the barangay and the names of the children involved have been withheld by authorities since both are minors. The case highlights the importance of child supervision and the potential dangers of children having access to sharp objects.
