TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental — It was supposed to be a relaxing nature trip to cap off the holiday break. Instead, for Arjay Dagus and his friends, a Sunday outing turned into a terrifying test of faith and endurance.
"Yesterday (Sunday) was a battle between life and death," said Dagus, 38, after he and eight others were pulled from the raging waters of the Pugaan River on Jan. 4.
The group, all residents of Barangay Sta. Ana, had ventured out for one last bonding moment before work and classes resumed on Monday. Despite looming gray skies brought by the easterlies affecting the region, the group decided to proceed.
The calm didn't last. At around 2 p.m., the river's water level rose violently, catching the group off guard and trapping them.
"Ug di ka magpakaisog, pildi gyud ka, magiging kwento ka na lang. To others, it may looked like t'was east but to us, behind our 'ngisi-ngisi' we're in a dark space, hopeless, that no one's there to save us," Dagus recounted.
While the group struggled in the water, help came from a friend on higher ground. Novien Sol, also from Barangay Sta. Ana, wasn't swimming with the group but realized the danger immediately.
"Wala ko nakauban sa ila pero pagkabalo nako nga gitaas ang tubig ako ang nagtawag sa rescue para mo responde," Sol said.
The call for help mobilized the Sta. Ana Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BDRRMO). Led by Barangay Councilor Ricarte Achas, the team responded promptly, executing a rescue operation that brought all nine individuals to safety by 4 p.m.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Dagus credited the swift action of the responders and divine intervention for their second chance at life.
"God is our saviour bisag dautan kay mi, gibaha kay nanlibak mi naa lang gud miy gi-chikahan, he sent people to extend our lives (Salute to the BDRRMO)," Dagus said.
Now safe, Dagus hopes their experience serves as a warning to others who might underestimate the river, especially during intermittent rains like those currently affecting Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.
"Another thing, if lantaw ninyo na dili maayo ang panahon, ayaw nag dayuna ang pag adtog suba, hadlok jud mag-baha kalit labi nag naa sa silent water," he added.
