4 trapped in La Union river rescued
Authorities warn vs swimming amid ‘Betty’
CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO, La Union – As typhoon “Betty” hit the region, four individuals trapped in the middle of the rampaging Amburayan River in Barangay Ipet, Sudipen, La Union were rescued, police reported Wednesday.
PRO (Police Regional Office) 1 director P/BGen. John C. Chua identified the rescued victims as Mariano Mostoles, 65, Mark Marquez, 29, Domingo Ramos, 47, and Luie Piaoan, 33.
Mostoles was reportedly fishing using a handmade bamboo fish trap in the middle of the river along with three others who were also gathering fish.
When a strong current approached, the three came to help Mostoles out, but the water level quickly rose, trapping them.
Officials said that the rise in water level was due to the recent rainfall brought by typhoon Betty.
Joint elements of Sudipen MPS, RMFB 1 103RD MC, BFP Sudipen, and MDRRMO readily responded to the scene and rescued the four individuals in less than an hour.
The said individuals were medically assessed, further evaluated by ground ambulance, and released on scene.
All four were experiencing conditions consistent with fatigue and panic but were otherwise uninjured.
Chua commended the rescuers’ heroic acts and also reminded the community to practice safety and caution.
“We cannot control the power of nature; that is why we must remain cautious. As much as possible, let us stay at home during storms to avoid accidents and other mishaps,” he said.
In Ilocos Norte, P/Col. Julius Suriben, police director, and his men conducted 24/7 guard along the coastal areas as they warned the public not to go swimming and fishing as the areas were still dangerous due to strong currents and big waves.
