A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officer drowned while conducting search and rescue (SAR) operation in Tubao, La Union on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Ponciano Nesperos, a member of the ng Special Operations Group-North Western Luzon (SOG-NWLZN), was among those who responded to a drowning incident in Sitio Daeng, Barangay Halog East due to the prevailing bad weather in La Union.
According to PCG, Nesperos was crossing a river to secure a safety line for his comrades when he lost balance and got swept away by raging water.
“Sinubukan siyang iligtas ngunit wala siyang malay nang ma-recover ng PCG SAR team (Members of the PCG SAR team tried to revive him when he was recovered but he already lost consciousness),” the PCG said.
Nesperson was rushed to La Union Medical Center where he was declared dead on arrival by the doctors.
The PCG condoled with the family of Esperos, who will be extended with all the appropriate assistance.