Cop dies saving companions from raging river

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — What began as a routine seaborne patrol on Friday morning ended in tragedy after a police officer died saving two of his companions from drowning.

Master Sgt. Fernando Marfa Jr., 40, a traffic investigator of the Cadiz Component City Police Station and a deputized member of the Bantay Dagat, was swept away by strong river currents during a rescue attempt in Sitio Bisan, Barangay Luna, Cadiz City.

Marfa, a resident of Barangay Tinampa-an, was conducting a seaborne patrol together with three civilian companions when the incident took place, initial police investigations showed.

They were aboard a motorized banca when water suddenly entered the vessel while they were crossing the river, Cadiz police said.

All four passengers disembarked from the banca. However, two of the civilians, identified as Alnaven Rull and Elmer Terencio Jr., were carried away by the strong currents.

Marfa, who rescued his two companions, was swept downstream and disappeared.

For nearly an hour, personnel from the Cadiz Component City Police Station and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conducted an intensive search and retrieval operation.

When rescuers finally recovered Marfa, he was immediately brought to the Cadiz District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Medical findings later confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning.

In a statement, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said Marfa’s selfless act of courage and unwavering commitment to protect and save others, even at the cost of his own life, embody the highest ideals of public service and the noblest traditions of the Philippine National Police.

“PMSg 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. We mourn the loss of a dedicated police officer, a brave public servant, and a hero,” PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said.