A police officer died after he was swept away by a strong current while attempting to rescue two companions during a seaborne patrol in Brgy. Luna, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, on Friday, Aug. 7.
Police identified the victim as Police MSgt. Fernando Marfa Jr., 40, a member of the Cadiz Police Station.
Lt. Daleen Grace Loreno, deputy chief of the Cadiz police, said Marfa was conducting a seaborne patrol with Bantay Dagat personnel and civilians at around 10:30 a.m. in Sitio Bisang, Brgy. Luna, when water entered their motorized banca.
Two of his companions were reportedly swept away while crossing the river and began struggling in the water.
Marfa immediately went into the river to help rescue them but was himself overpowered by the strong current and submerged, police said.
Personnel of the Cadiz police and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office launched a search and retrieval operation.
Marfa was later recovered and rushed to the Cadiz District Hospital, where he was declared dead by the attending physician at around 12:50 p.m.
His cause of death was listed as asphyxia by drowning.
Loreno said Marfa had served in the Philippine National Police for more than 10 years and was assigned to the Cadiz City Police Station, where he had performed duties as a traffic investigator and patrol officer.
Police are treating the incident as a heroic rescue attempt after Marfa lost his life while trying to save his companions.*
[sibwp_form id=1]