2 Soldiers Die While On Rescue Mission

Official Philippine Army Press Release
http://www.army.mil.ph/index.htm
Date Released: 28 Sep 2009


Two soldiers and three Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) members died while two CAAs are still missing while rescuing civilians in Famy, and Mabitac, Laguna yesterday morning during the onslaught of tropical depression "Ondoy".

Reports reaching the Philippine Army headquarters related the heroism of soldiers and CAAs from the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division in two separate incidents when they responded to victims of the flash floods. About twenty victims were brought to safer grounds before Private Firstclass Venancio Ancheta was swept away by flashfloods in Famy, Laguna. The other incident happened in Brgy Nanguma, Mabitac, Laguna were one soldier and five CAAs were swept by rampaging floods while they were rescuing civilians.
At around 6:15 A.M. Sunday, the body of PFC Ancheta was recovered by elements of the Disaster Relief and Rescue Unit (DRRU) of the 16th Infantry Battalion led by Lt Espina in Brgy Tunhac, Famy, Laguna.

Later at about 9:30 A.M., the DRRU of 1st Infantry Battalion led by Lt Faura recovered the cadavers of Corporal Adriano Regua, CAA Joel Hernalin, CAA Erineo Olaguer and CAA Florencio Dequino along Manila East Road in Sitio Johnson, Brgy Nanguma, Mabitac, Laguna while two other CAAs are still missing as of press time.

Army commanders in affected areas have already declared red alert status and recalled all personnel for deployment to affected areas. All assets and resources are being utilized by the Army since yesterday morning while soldiers are risking their lives and limbs just to save more lives.