TV reporter rescued from Taal crater

BATANGAS, Philippines – Coast Guard personnel rescued a cable TV reporter who was stranded near the crater of the restive Taal volcano where he made a “side-trip” after interviewing villagers in Talisay, Batangas yesterday.

It took the Coast Guard personnel five hours to pluck out Joshua Garcia, reporter of Global News Network, from the steep slopes of the Taal crater.

Lt. Cmdr. Troy Cornelio, Batangas Coast Guard chief, said Garcia sought permission to talk to the residents of Barangay Tabla at around 10 a.m. but later went down to the crater.

Unable to climb the steep slopes, Garcia asked for help from the Coast Guard using his cell phone. – Arnell Ozaeta, Cecille Suerte Felipe