Bulacan gov lauds heroic deeds of five rescuers who passed away while in line of duty

CITY OF MALOLOS – Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando expressed deep grief and lauded the heroic efforts of the five rescuers who died while conducting rescue operations during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Karding in San Miguel town on the eve of Sunday, September 25.

The victims were identified as George E. Agustin from Iba O’ Este, Calumpit; Troy Justin P. Agustin from Sta. Rita, Guiguinto; Marby A. Bartlome from Bulihan, City of Malolos; Jerson L. Resurreccion from Catmon, Santa Maria; and Narciso Calayag.

“Kulang ang mga salita upang ipahayag ang aking kalungkutan sa naganap na trahedya sa ating mga kasamang rescuers ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Sa ngalan ng lalawigan ng Bulacan, ako ay taus-pusong nagpapasalamat at ikinararangal ang kanilang ipinamalas na kabayanihan at matapat na pagtupad sa kanilang tungkulin, sukdulang isakripisyo ang kanilang sariling buhay.” Fernando said.

The governor also said that all the benefits intended for the victims from the Provincial Government of Bulacan will be turned over to their respective families, including his personal financial assistance. The governor also personally settled funeral arrangements for the victims.

According to the reports, the victims were dispatched to Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in San Miguel to conduct rescue operations in the flooded areas there and deployed as augmentation to the rescue team who responded to the area. The five rescuers were later found dead in various locations at Sitio Banga Banga, Brgy. Camias at around 4 AM last September 26.

As of this time, investigation is ongoing on the actual cause of the death of the five rescuers. Their bodies lie at the Glory to God Funeral Services in San Miguel and will be transported back to their respective families after the autopsy. ###