BACOLOD CITY — A 40-year-old police officer drowned in a river while attempting to save three Bantay Dagat members during a routine seaborne patrol in Sitio Bisang, Barangay Luna, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, before noon Friday.
The victim was identified as Police Master Sgt. Fernando Marfa, a resident of Barangay Tinampa-an, Cadiz City, who was assigned to the Cadiz City Police Station.
Police Lt. Daleen Grace Loreno, deputy chief of the Cadiz City Police Station, said Marfa and his companions were conducting a patrol when water began entering their motorized boat.
Marfa’s three companions were reportedly swept away by the river’s current.
Marfa tried to rescue them but was overpowered by the strong current and drowned, Loreno said.
Loreno said heavy rains in upland areas may have caused the river’s current to strengthen.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation and recovered Marfa’s body from the river several minutes later.
Marfa was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead, according to Loreno.
Bantay Dagat members, also known as deputy fish wardens, assist local governments in enforcing fisheries laws and protecting municipal waters.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), meanwhile, mourned Marfa’s death in the line of duty.
Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR director, honored the fallen officer’s sacrifice.
“Police Master Sgt. Fernando Marfa exemplified the true meaning of service above self. His final act was one of extraordinary courage, choosing to risk his own life to save others,” Cardiño said in a statement.
“We mourn the loss of a dedicated police officer, a brave public servant, and a hero,” Cardiño added, as he extended the regional office’s deepest condolences to Marfa’s family and assured them that his sacrifice would always be remembered and honored.
PRO-NIR said Marfa’s selfless courage and unwavering commitment to protecting and saving others, even at the cost of his own life, embodied the highest ideals of public service and the traditions of the Philippine National Police.
The regional office said it remained committed to honoring the heroism and dedication of personnel who fulfill their sworn duty to protect lives and serve the public, even in the face of danger. (Glazyl M. Jopson via tdg photo by tdg)