THIS one is highly commendable. I am talking about the rescue efforts made by the members of the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, barangay officials and personnel of the Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA) recently on the rescue of stranded mountaineers on the peak of Mount Natib in Orani, Bataan.
The rescued climbers who are all students of Bulacan State University in Malolos City, were soaked in heavy rain as they reached the top of their destination, prompting one of them to seek help from her mother in Bulacan. The latter then sought help through calls which the MBDA received.
The MBDA then quickly organized rescue teams with the said agencies participating to reach the summit and help the exhausted mountaineers descend the mountain. According to reports, the peak of Mt. Natib is around 1,230 meters above sea level. Such height is quite high and difficult to climb especially during rainy weather.
The rescued mountaineers totaling to nine are fourth year electrical technology students aged 19 to 23. While they have reach the top of the mountain, heavy rains dampened their energy to stay further.
Meanwhile, the rescue activity made was said to be very organized and systematic with the MBDA using its high-tech communication facilities and able-bodied, trained rescue personnel. The effort was complemented by police and army men who also had to brave rains in their ascent and in going down the mountain slopes.
Unfortunately, the mountaineers seemed to fail to register their names with the barangay, a matter which should have been undertaken prior to climbing. As a matter of standard procedure, climbers need to register in barangay registry for safety and security reasons.
Last year, more than a hundred mountaineers were rescued at Mt. Tarak in Mariveles town in the same province. They were stranded in the said mountain also because of inclement weather and had to be rescued.
Again, the MBDA, police and army personnel and members of the Bataan Provincial Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council played great efforts in the rescue of the mountain climbers.
While we cannot avoid climbing enthusiasts from doing their stuff with their interest in communing with nature, they should be however responsible enough in registering or coordinating with local officials or authorities before their climbing activities.
Lucky for this generation that we have now mobile phones and internet on by that in case of any untoward incident, rescue measures have easy way for authorities.
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