Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo paid his last respects to the five rescuers who perished while in line of duty during the onslaught of Typhoon Karding in San Miguel, Bulacan.
As instructed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Secretary Tulfo visited the wake of the rescuers on September 29 to laud their heroism while conducting rescue operations.
“Hindi matatawaran ang pagbuwis ng kanilang buhay para mailigtas lamang ang buhay ng kanilang mga kababayan” (Sacrificing their own lives to save others is priceless and should be held in high regard), the President told Secretary Tulfo.
The fallen heroes were George Agustin, Troy Justin Agustin, Marby Bartolome, Jerson Resurrecion, and Narciso Calayag Jr.
Last September 25, the five encountered an accident after a wall collapsed on their boat while doing rescue mission in the flooded areas of San Miguel, Bulacan. They then went missing and after an overnight search were found lifeless by rescuers.
The Secretary went to the respective memorial services of the five rescuers in Calumpit, Plaridel, and Malolos to personally hand over the Department’s burial and cash assistance to the bereaved families worth Php 25,000 each. In addition, Secretary Tulfo also gave financial assistance that were extended by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.
Likewise, the families left behind by the rescuers will undergo assessment for the possible provision of livelihood assistance under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.
The DSWD expressed its deepest sympathies and profound condolences to the families of the five fallen rescuers who served with courage and selflessness at the height of SuperTyphoon Karding.
