The province of Bulacan, led by Governor Daniel R. Fernando, mourned the death of five rescuers and lauded their heroism while conducting rescue operations during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Karding in San Miguel town on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office executive officer Liz Mungcal identified the victims as George E. Agustin, 45, of Ina 'O'Este, Calumpit; Troy Justin P. Agustin, 30, of Sta Rita, Guiguinto; Marby A. Bartolome, 36, of Bulihan, City of Malolos; Jerson L. Resurreccion, 32, of Barangay Catmon, Sta Maria; and Narciso Calayag of Malolos City.
Fernando expressed his grief over the tragic accident and personally financed the funeral arrangements for the victims.
"Lubha po tayong nalulungkot sa nangyari. Hindi po natin ito inaasahan at hindi kailan man hinangad na mangyari lalo na sa ating mga bayaning rescuers na mas pinili ang tumulong at iligtas ang buhay ng iba kahit ang kapalit nito ay sariling buhay. Upang makatulong na rin po tayo na maibsan kahit papano ang lungkot at intindihin ng kanilang mga pamilya, personal ko na pong inayos ang mga kailangan para sa kanila; dinala na po natin ang kanilang mga labi sa Glory To God Funeral Services sa Barangay Balite, San Miguel at kasalukuyang sumasailalim ng autopsy na sinag-ayunan naman ng kani-kanilang mga pamilya (I am deeply saddened by their deaths. We never want any life to be sacrificed in the name of duty. To ease the financial worries of the families of our hero rescuers, I am personally shouldering their funeral expenses. Their remains have been brought to the Glory to God Funeral Services for autopsy which their next of kin have all agreed to)," Fernando said.
He added that all the benefits of the victims from the Provincial Government of Bulacan will be given to their respective families as well as personal financial assistance from him.
According to reports, the victims were dispatched to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in San Miguel to conduct rescue operations in the flooded areas.
The operation started at around 10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25, in the area inundated in 10-foot water. A total of 20 rescuers, together with 30 scout rangers, responded to the area including the five rescuers who were wearing the Bulacan rescue uniform for easy identification.
At around 4 a.m., the other rescuers lost contact with the five rescuers who were in Barangay Camias. Hours later, the first victim was found dead while the remaining four were discovered at around 6 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 26.
Initial reports stated that the truck carrying the victims couldn't make it to the very deep floodwater so they opted to use a boat. The rescuers were well equipped and well trained, and reports said that some residents even heard them counting in unison while maneuvering the boat.
The wall of the Gulf Gasoline Station in Barangay Camias collapsed during the rescue operation, causing the rush of floodwaters that caused the drowning of the victims.
As of this writing, the bodies of the victims are still at the Glory To God Funeral Services in San Miguel town.