CAMP DIEGO SILANG, San Fernando City, La Union – A member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) drowned during a retrieval operation for a drowning victim on the Ifugao River in Sitio Daeng, Barangay Halog East, Tubao, La Union, on Tuesday, September 5.
Police identified the victim as Petty Officer 3 Ponciano Nisperos, 33, of the PCG Special Operations Group-North Western Luzon (SOG-NWLZN) based in Poro Point here and a resident of Barangay Lingsat, this city.
The PCG and rescuers from the Tubao Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council proceeded to the river to conduct a search and retrieval operation for a drowning victim identified as Edward Saltat Damaso, 12, Grade 5 student and resident of Barangay Halog East.
Nisperos tied a rope around his body and tried to cross to the other side when he suddenly wafted in the deep portion of the river due to strong water current.
His colleagues pulled him out of the water and attempted to revive him through cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Nisperos was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead.
La Union Rep. Dante Sotelo Garcia on Wednesday, September 5, paid tribute to Nisperos.

“The People of the Second District of La Union and the Office of Rep. Dante Sotelo Garcia salute and honor the heroism and bravery of our provincemate, Philippine Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Ponciano Nisperos, Jr. who gave up his life while responding to a drowning incident in Sitio Daeng, Barangay Halog East, Tubao, La Union,” Garcia said in a Facebook post.
“Truly, there is no greater love than to offer one's life for others. Without a doubt, his selfless act will not be forgotten as we will forever remain grateful to his ultimate sacrifice,” said Garcia.
“We take pride that we have Petty Officer Third Class Nisperos as a gallant La Union Coast Guard,” he added.
The drowning victim is yet to be found as of posting time.