A DARING and potentially dangerous solo swim across the treacherous Pakiputan channel prompted a rapid response from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday afternoon.
According to reports, at approximately 7:17 p.m. on April 19, 2025, the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Caliclic received a phone call from the Coast Guard Station IGACOS Operations.
The call relayed a report originating from Davao City concerning a lone swimmer coming from Coaco Beach Resort in Davao City and heading for Paradise Beach Resort on the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS).
At 5:32 p.m., the Special Operations Unit-IGACOS received a call from the Coast Guard Caliclic Substation and immediately dispatched a crew on a rubber boat.
They immediately scoured the waters of Pakiputan Channel, focusing on the area between Coaco Beach Resort and Paradise Beach Resort.
The Coast Guard team also coordinated with the Paradise Beach Resort staff. Their efforts proved fruitful when an employee reported a person lying on the shoreline.
Upon reaching the individual, who was identified as 23-year-old Leah M. Barabay, authorities conducted an interview.
Barabay, whose last known address was in Barangay Pañalum, Paquibato, and who had reportedly worked as a helper in Doña Asuncion, Barangay Pampanga, confirmed that she swam from Coaco Beach Resort with the intention of reaching Paradise Beach Resort.
Fortunately, the stunt did not result in serious injury.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao advised the public to avoid swimming across dangerous waters without safety equipment and proper coordination with their office.
