Noted Baguio citizen, Inquirer lensman die in river tragedy
BAGUIO CITY—The smiling faces of gradeschool children would be the last images captured by a group of Baguio photographers before a fatal off-road accident claimed two lives on Friday afternoon.
Rodolfo “Ompong” Tan, a prominent Baguio lensman, 2022 Outstanding Citizen of Baguio awardee and community pillar, died from severe head injuries after his vehicle was swept away by strong currents while crossing the Agno River in Itogon, Benguet.
Tan and fellow volunteers had just provided free photo services to graduating pupils of Tabu Elementary School.
The accident also claimed the life of Inquirer photo correspondent Neil Clark Ongchangco, who was initially reported missing and was recovered about seven hours later downstream in Barangay Dalupirip.
Ongchangco, 39, a city hall employee assigned to the Public Information Office, was seen waving for help as the vehicle began to topple after being carried about 100 meters by the surging current.
He had been operating a drone while Tan navigated the crossing.
He later jumped into the river but was found by police and first responders around 7 p.m., also suffering from head injuries. He is survived by his wife, Maria Joanne, and their 6-year-old child.
Four survivors
The four other people in the vehicle survived the incident, including Inquirer contributor Eliza Consul. Also rescued were Laurente Ren Munoz, 45; Conrado Rotor, 66; and Randy Benigno, 49.
Tan, 68, was pulled from the driver’s seat by residents who rushed to the scene, but he was declared dead on arrival at Itogon District Hospital at 3:35 p.m. due to a traumatic brain injury.
Tan was known for organizing outreach missions to remote communities, often bringing fellow photographers to document and support local initiatives.
“I’ve been part of his team that coached children (with autism) in photography and journalism,” said former Inquirer Luzon photojournalist Edgardo “EV” Espiritu. He recalled that their missions often required traversing difficult terrain.
“That river in Dalupirip was the only access to the school. There was no bridge there. But the river occasionally grows stronger from surges coming from the mountains,” he said.
