PNP to honor cop who died saving 2 from river currents
The Philippine National Police will posthumously honor a police officer who died attempting to save two people from a raging river in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, during a seaborne patrol on Friday.
Police Master Sgt. Fernando Marfa Jr., 40, died after being swept downstream while trying to rescue two members of volunteer task force Bantay Dagat who were caught in strong currents.
PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co told the Inquirer on Sunday that the two were “safe and have been reunited with their families.”
“We honor his memory by continuing to serve our communities with the same dedication that he showed in his final moments,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said about Marfa in a statement on Sunday.
“The PNP will extend all available assistance and benefits due to his family as a police officer who died in the line of duty,” he added.
Plunging into danger
Negros Island has been hit by torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” causing the river in Cadiz to swell.
Marfa was conducting the patrol in Sitio Bisang, Barangay Luna, around 10:30 a.m. on Friday when the two other Bantay Dagat members with him were carried away by the currents.
He swam into the river to help after the group’s motorboat took in water, but he was also swept downstream. His body was found after about an hour of searching.
Marfa, who had served the PNP for 15 years, was declared dead on arrival at Cadiz District Hospital.
His death was attributed to asphyxia due to drowning.
“We deeply mourn the death of PMSgt Marfa. He showed courage and selflessness when he chose to help his companions despite the danger,” said Nartatez.
“His actions reflect the duty and commitment expected of every police officer,” he added.
‘Painful loss’
Co cited reports as saying the rescued Bantay Dagat members “were able to hold on to rocks and trees along the riverbank until rescue teams arrived and were able to pull them to safety.”
In a statement on Saturday, National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said Marfa’s death was a “painful loss to the police service and, most especially, to the family who will have to bear the weight of his absence.”
He assured Marfa’s family that Napolcom will help facilitate the processing and release of benefits and provide assistance within the commission’s mandate.
In a statement on Friday, the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Marfa, citing his selfless sacrifice and courage in risking his life to save others.
PRO NIR Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño paid tribute to Marfa, saying the police officer embodied the true meaning of service above self by putting the lives of others before his own.
“His final act was one of extraordinary courage, choosing to risk his own life to save others. We mourn the loss of a dedicated police officer, a brave public servant, and a hero,” said Cardiño.
