7 rescued near Mt. Apo

MANILA, Philippines - Seven mountain climbers were rescued after being trapped near Mt. Apo on Monday afternoon due to bad weather.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the seven were stranded along Marbel River while descending from the Lake Venado campsite through the Kidapawan trail at Mt. Apo National Park.

The mountain climbers could not pass through the river due to its strong current and high water level caused by continuous rains.

Jerome Baranco, assistant regional director of the Office of Civil Defense, identified the rescued mountaineers as Maripaz Llagas, 30; Paulyn Mejia, 21; Jonalyn Vega, 28; April Lim, 28; Mark Robben Garcia, 25; Maria Jumilene Roxas, 25; and Arnel Aragon, 30.

No one was hurt during the incident. – Alexis Romero, John Unson, Edith Regalado