Kin of missing mountaineer seek government help

The family of a 22-year-old mountaineer missing since Feb. 16 on Mt. Madja-as in Antique is seeking the help of the government and private individuals for the search and rescue operation.

In a statement, Lei Punsalang, cousin of missing mountaineer Leonardo Gutierrez, said local authorities and rescuers need a helicopter to speed up the rescue operation, plus other supplies like food and medicines, mountaineering gear like ropes, flashlights, kerosene lamps and other useful tools.

Gutierrez and 11 other mountaineers went up Mt. Madja-as on Feb. 14 and began their descent in the afternoon of Feb. 16.

His colleagues never heard of him since he went ahead of them and their two guides during the descent.

Quoting one of her cousin’s companions, Punsalang said the group was one to three hours away from the foot of the mountain when they realized that Gutierrez was not around. They waited for several hours but he failed to appear.

She said one of the guides searched the immediate area but could not find Gutierrez who, according to his companions, was carrying a stove, lamp, fuel, clothes and a few canned goods.

Those interested in helping in the rescue can contact Grace Roa at (02) 534-0192 or Malou Bautista at (02) 813-0425.