A Grade 5 student died Monday after accidentally falling into a septic tank located inside the campus of Sinaliw Malaki Elementary School in Alfonso, Cavite.

The victim was identified with the alias Criszel, aged 12, based on a report from the Police Regional Office 4A.

Initial investigation by the Alfonso Municipal Police Station revealed that Criszel and three classmates were eating lunch while sitting on a concrete chair situated on top of the septic tank. 

The structure gave way, causing all four children to fall into the dry bed of the septic tank, according to a GMA News report.

“Doon sa kanilang kinauupuan, sir, ‘yung parang upuang bato, sir… gumuho po ito, sir, ‘yung kinauupuan nila. Lumusot ho sila doon sa ilalim, doon sa septic tank na matagal nang tuyo, sir,” explained P/Maj. Raymond Balbuena, chief of the police station.

[“From where they were sitting, sir, on what seemed like a stone seat, sir… it collapsed, sir, where they were sitting. They fell through to an old, dry septic tank below, sir.”]

Criszel was rushed to the hospital but declared dead on arrival. The other three students sustained minor injuries.

Her mother said, “Pinapunta po ako ng school para po may emergency lang daw po’ng nangyari. Pagpunta ko po ng school, wala na po… nadala na po ng ambulansya sa malapit na ospital. Pagdating ko ho doon ay sinalubong na po ako ng mga teachers na wala na daw po ang anak ko.” 

[“I was called to the school because they said there was an emergency. When I arrived at the school, my child was no longer there… an ambulance had already taken her to a nearby hospital. When I got there, the teachers met me and told me that my child had passed away.”]

The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed condolences to the bereaved family, adding that the Schools Division Office has already reached out to the family to provide assistance. 

“School officials are already in coordination with the local government unit for medical assistance and the conduct of psychological first aid to the affected learners,” the statement reads.

The Department is also collaborating with local authorities for a thorough investigation into the incident.