The Department of Education (DepEd) has expressed its deepest condolences to the families and school community following the deaths of two elementary students during a Color and Bubble Fun Run at Cauayan South Central School in Cauayan City, Isabela, on Saturday, October 3.
In a statement, DepEd said it is taking steps to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and is coordinating with the local government and law enforcement authorities.
“A fact-finding investigation is underway, including a review of the activity, safety measures, equipment used, and the roles of those involved,” the department said.
“Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings,” it added.
Police said the incident occurred at around 6:20 a.m. while the school activity was ongoing. Four students were reportedly affected after an apparent electrical short circuit or grounding occurred in an area covered with foam.
The four students were rushed to hospitals for medical attention. Two of them died, while the other two survived, authorities said.
DepEd urged the public to respect the privacy of the affected children and their families and to refrain from sharing unverified information, names, photographs, or videos related to the incident.
Meanwhile, the Cauayan City government also extended its condolences to the families of the victims and said it is coordinating with the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Cauayan regarding the ongoing investigation and assistance for the affected families.
“The LGU Cauayan ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa SDO Cauayan hinggil sa patuloy na imbestigasyon at sa pagbibigay ng kaukulang tulong sa mga pamilya ng mga yumao,” the city government said.
The local government assured the affected families of its full support and appealed to the public to offer prayers and respect the privacy of the bereaved families.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the incident.
