Congressional honor up for heroes of Igbaras tragedy
Efforts are underway to officially recognize the heroic deeds of rescuers in the unfortunate tragedy in Igbaras, Iloilo set to be led by First District Representative Janette Loreto-Garin.
The tragedy took the lives of 22 residents with 19 others missing and believed dead. It stands to be the worst accident in Southern Iloilo that stemmed from an overloaded passenger jeepney thrown off the raging waters of Tangyan River.
With a Congressional Honor in mind, the lady solon said it is her wish and intent that due homage be accorded to the many silent heroes of the incident.
Foremost in the list would be rescuer and accidental hero, Marvin Del Rio who died as a result of his effort to help save passengers. An out of school youth, Del Rio was the eldest of twelve Del Rio siblings and was described by neighbors as a very helpful lad who would always lend a hand.
Others include Barangay Barasan locals such as Del Rio's pals Ramil Esgra and Jong Eclavia. In a report, The News Today (TNT) then learned of yet another rescuer, 62 year-old Crisanto Ecluan who stayed behind, hoping to be of further help at the height of the search and rescue operation until efforts became search and retrieval. A member of the village's Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO), Ecluan told TNT he rushed to the area when told of the incident.
"Halin sang aga wala pa ko kinan-an pero sige lang. Nakabulig man ko sa duwa ka pasahero (Since morning I have not eaten but that's fine. I was also able to help the two passengers)," he gladly recalled. By late afternoon with no survivors in sight, Ecluan who was then shivering from the cold and drenched by the intermittent rains continued to mill around offering his assistance to the authorities.
Unnamed locals also joined expert rescuers and divers from the Mountain Tigers, Philippine Coast Guard, 601st Auxilliary also of the Philippine Coast Guard, Black Panther and Royal Eagle volunteer rescue teams. Two were reached by TNT who identified themselves as Denmark and Joven. The duo's efforts helped save four distressed passengers.
Garin said she has yet to finalize the list even as she expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the local heroes.