Pfc Ancheta inspired rescue of 600 Ondoy victims

Official Philippine Army Press Release
http://www.army.mil.ph/index.htm
Date Released: 28 Sep 2009
Press Release No 02-059

As the tropical depression "Ondoy" hit the country last Saturday, many Army soldiers were the first to rescue citizens affected by the rampaging floods in many parts of the country. However, as many lives were saved, the Philippine Army suffered seven casualties during the rescue operations, including Private Firstclass (Pfc) Venancio V. Ancheta who saved 20 civilians before he drowned.

According to reports reaching the Philippine Army headquarters, Pfc Ancheta belongs to the disaster response team of the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) led by Lt. Arnel Marcos that responded to affected residents of Brgy. Tunhac, Famy, Laguna. Pfc Ancheta was carrying the 20th rescued civilian in his back when he was hit by a log. He was able to bring the man on his back to safety before he was swept away by the flood current. His remains were later recovered the next day at the same barangay by members of the Disaster Relief and Rescue Unit of the 16th Infantry Battalion.

The Philippine Army mourns with the family and loved ones of Pfc Ancheta but salutes his heroism that serves as an inspiration for the whole Philippine Army and, in particular, his teammates who continued the mission and rescued another 600 civilians in Famy, Laguna.

Aside from Pfc Ancheta who offered his life in Famy, Laguna, another Army soldier and five CAFGU members who responded to Mabitac, Laguna died while selflessly saving lives of citizens. They are Corporal Adriano Regua, CAA Joel Hernalin, CAA Erineo Olaguer, CAA Pedro Falcon, CAA Florencio Dequino, and CAA Artenio Descotido.

Pfc Ancheta is just one of the many Philippine Army soldiers today currently involved in the rescue and relief operations, who are ready to offer the supreme sacrifice just to save lives of their fellowmen.