Missing CAFGU rescuer found dead in Laguna

Camp Vicente Lim, Laguna , Philippines  – Search and rescue operatives finally recovered the body of missing member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit in Mabitac town after he was swept away by raging floodwaters while helping flood victims in Famy, Laguna Saturday morning, an Army official said.

Lt. Arnel Marcos, member of the 16th Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, identified the victim as Artemio Descutido, CAFGU member under the 59th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

Marcos said Descutido’s body was found by residents of Barangay Nanguma in Mabitac, Laguna around 6 a.m. yesterday.

Descutido was one of the five CAFGU members who died together with two Army men while rescuing flood victims during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy.

Also died of drowning were militiamen Joel Hernalin, Erineo Olaguer, Florencio Dequino and Pedro Falcon. Their bodies were recovered on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Army men Pfc Venancio Ancheta and Corporal Adriano Regua also died in the incident.     – Arnell Ozaeta