Belgian, 5 other trekkers rescued in Sierra Madre

ANGELES CITY , Philippines  – A Belgian environmentalist and five others earlier reported missing in the virgin forests of Isabela were rescued Wednesday morning as they were trapped on a mound of rocks amid the raging waters of Abuan River in the Sierra Madre mountain range.

Maj. Gen. Lino Horacio, acting chief of the Armed Forces’ Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) and concurrent commander of the 1st Air Division of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), identified the rescued mountain trekkers as Belgian Bert Peeters, lawyer Gari Bernal, Angelito Agustin, Luzviminda Lopez and Narciso Gumangan. Their guide, Nonie de la Peña, a Dumagat, was also rescued.

Nolcom spokesman Maj. Rosendo Armas said the trekkers were reported missing after their second Dumagat guide took the risk of swimming in the raging waters of Abuan River to seek help.  

The group started their trek to the Sierra Madre Mountain range from Ilagan, Isabela last Jan. 13.

The trekkers were on their way to the foot of Divilacan town on the other side of the Sierra Madre facing the Pacific Ocean. They were crossing the Abuan River on the slopes of Mt. Crista when heavy rains at the upper reaches of the mountain range caused the river to suddenly swell, prompting them to seek refuge on the mound of rocks, Armas said.

Armas said those rescued belong to the Cabiao Kid Foundation, an environmentalist group based in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.

Horacio said, “The rough and mountainous terrain of Isabela is attracting both local and foreign tourists as it is perfect for trekking, mountaineering, camping and exploration not only in the Divilacan forest area but also in Palanan, Dinapigue, and Maconacon.”

Horacio said he dispatched two UH1H helicopters from the Tactical Operations Group 2 for the rescue operation.

Two hours after they left Camp Aquino in Tarlac City, the airborne rescuers spotted the trekkers still trapped on the mound of rocks amid the still raging currents of Abuan River.

“The lead helicopter skillfully maneuvered to land in a very critical location and extracted the trekkers,” Horacio said.

Except for the Belgian who had fever and whose legs were swollen, the other trekkers were unhurt.

All six were brought to the Army’s 5th Infantry Division hospital for medical checkup and immediate treatment.

Horacio congratulated the rescuers for “a job well done.”   – With Ric Sapnu and Charlie Lagasca