By Laycha K. Marra
Bontoc, Mountain Province- The search and rescue operations for missing persons in Bontoc and Besao has been resolved given the expeditious response of the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC).
On February 17, 2016, the PDRRM Office (PDDRMO) received a report that a certain Isaac Layugan of Poblacion, Bontoc was missing. Immediately, the members of the PDRRMC convened to plan the search and rescue operations.
Thereafter, flyers containing a photograph and other pertinent information about the missing person were posted in public areas. The same flyers were also sent to all police stations within the province and nearby provinces as well as to Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (MDRRMCs).
Four days after the start of the search and rescue activities for Layugan, the PDRRMO received information from Natonin Municipal Police Station (MPS) that they have in custody a person named Junior Manudon of Bunga, Besao. The office then coordinated with the Besao MDRRMO to determine a missing person report in the area. Upon confirmation that a certain Jerry Manudon was reported missing on February 4, PDRRMO Operation Officer Paul Lengwa coordinated with the police stations of Besao and Natonin for a turnover on February 23, 2016.
Subsequently, Layugan was found in a deep ravine located in between sitios Pulis and U-ud in Bontoc Ili, Bontoc on February 28. He was taken to the Bontoc General Hospital as he had a leg wound and was discharged two days after.
The PDRRMC acknowledged that the cooperation of various units and individuals has led to the successful closure of the cases.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) includes the Red Cross- Mountain Province Chapter, the Provincial Security Services Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bontoc MDRRMC.
Other volunteer groups who helped in the search and rescue operations for Layugan were various Church group volunteers, the Mountain Province Bikers Association, Barangay Bontoc Ili and Barangay Caluttit.
