Memorial marker for 7 scouts in tragic jamboree unveiled
"Let us honor them… they have not died in vain."
Such were the words that highlighted the message of San Joaquin Mayor Ninfa Garin as the town remembered seven boy scouts who lost their young lives in a tragic jamboree here.
Nationally-admired artist Nemi Miranda worked on a Scout memorial marker unveiled yesterday in honor of the seven.
The simple yet touching ceremony was attended by top boy scouts officials headed by Jose Rizal Pangilinan, Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) secretary-general. Also present were council executive board members and town officials.
The incident occurred October 16, 2004, the last day of the week-long Iloilo Confessor Council Tourism Jamborette in San Joaquin town. The seven drowned after a last-minute decision for a swim. They were Neriden F. Barcenas, John Francis E. Marcon, Philip Sidney Mucas, Jerril S. Semic, Alberto S. Cordero, Christian Moneva, and George S. Selibio Jr. (F. Hibionada)