BAGUIO CITY —Two photojournalists were killed and four others injured after their SUV was swept away by the strong currents of the Agno River in Itogon, Benguet on Friday afternoon, March 27, 2026. Authorities confirmed that the victims were returning from an outreach activity when the tragedy struck.

The Police Regional Office–Cordillera reported that the incident occurred around 1:20 p.m. in Sitio Tabu, Barangay Dalupirip, when the group attempted to cross the river but was overpowered by the surge of water. The SUV was carried downstream, leaving passengers trapped inside.

The fatalities were identified as Rodolfo “Ompong” Tan, 68, a freelance photographer, and Neil Clark Ongchanco, a photo correspondent for the Inquirer and also affiliated with the Baguio City Public Information Office. Tan was declared dead on arrival at the Itogon District Hospital, while Ongchanco’s body was recovered by search and rescue teams at around 7:05 p.m.

Four others sustained injuries: Ren Munoz, 45; Eliza Consul, 59; Conrado Rotor, 66; and Randy Benigno, 49. They were rushed to the hospital for treatment and are currently recovering.

Authorities said the group had just finished a graduation pictorial and outreach activity at Tabu Elementary School before heading back to Baguio City. The sudden rise in water level and strong currents made the crossing treacherous, leading to the fatal accident.

Rescuers retrieved the vehicle later in the afternoon, but the incident has raised renewed concerns about safety in river crossings, especially during unpredictable weather conditions in Benguet. Local officials reminded residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution when traversing swollen rivers, noting that sudden surges are common in mountainous areas.

The deaths of Tan and Ongchanco have sent shockwaves through the media community in Northern Luzon, where both were respected for their work in documenting local events and public service activities. Colleagues and friends have expressed grief over the loss, describing them as dedicated professionals who used their craft to serve the community.

This tragedy underscores the dangers posed by swollen rivers in Benguet and highlights the need for stricter safety measures and public awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Image from Igorotang Kabsat MPC