Families, colleagues, residents hold special tribute for fallen Bulacan rescuers

The families, residents, and fellow rescuers from different areas of the country gathered together to hold a special tribute for the five Bulacan rescuers who perished in an operation during Typhoon Karding’s onslaught.

According to Glen Juego’s Super Radyo dzBB report on Friday, a “Luksa ng Parangal” was held for the five rescuers in the provincial capitol gymnasium in Malolos, Bulacan.

Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and several disaster workers from Metro Manila, Pampanga, the Visayas, and other parts of the country attended the tribute.

Volunteers of the Philippine Red Cross and employees of the Bulacan capitol also attended to pay tribute to the fallen rescuers.

Rescuers George Agustin, 45; Marvy Bartolome, 36; Narciso Calayag Jr., 33; Troy Justin Agustin, 30; and Jerson Resurecion were killed after the boat they were in was swept away by a powerful current after the wall of a nearby gas station fell on them.

Their bodies were recovered in a rice field at 6 a.m., four hours after they could no longer be reached by phone.

The fallen rescuers will be awarded plaques of recognition for their bravery and service to save others.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier said he was saddened by the death of the five rescuers, and that the nation lost five good men to the calamity.

Meanwhile, several Senate resolutions were adopted on Tuesday commending and honoring the "exemplary heroism" of the five rescuers. — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA News