Radaza asks aerial support in search for 3 missing kids

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City government has requested air support from the Central Command to widen its ongoing search operation to find the three missing children in Olanggo Island.

Mayor Paz Radaza yesterday gave instruction to Andy Berame, deputy officer of Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the needed helicopter.

As of press time yesterday, the three children— Jose Maria Eduardo Daño and Aaron Hida, both 15 years old, and 9-year-old Shaun Michael Daño—remained missing.

“Dili ni nato undangon unless makahibaw ta sa situation sa mga bata,” Radaza said.

The three children from Barangay Baring in Olango Island have been missing since Sunday after they ventured out to the sea to fish despite the bad weather brought by typhoon Lando.

Radaza said she was disappointed over the failure of the members of the Task Force Kalikasan to monitor the children.

“Tanang barangay og police naay Task Force Kalikasan. I wonder why walay nag-monitor,” Radaza said.

The TFK, aside from taking care and protecting the environment against illegal activities, is also responsible for monitoring the shores during bad weather.

“Dapat gyud ni sila magbantay. Sila man ang nasayod kay naa man sila sa isla. Mga barangay officials kahibaw gyud ani,” Radaza said.

Radaza said her priority at present is to focus on the search of the missing children. The gale warning has also contributed to the delay in the search operation.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, however, has already lifted the gale warning yesterday.

Berame said this will hasten the search operation which will continue today in coordination with the Olango Police Station and the Philippine Navy.

“Hopeful ta nga buhi gihapon sila,” Berame said. — (FREEMAN)