LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Search and rescue operations continue for two missing teens who were swept by strong water current on August 13.
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Yoshio Labi said around 50 volunteers are helping in the search and rescue operations.
The rescuers are from Barangay Wangal, La Trinidad, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
On Monday morning, August 19, two teams navigated through Gayasi River to Balili River downstream, while two more teams traversed from Bodiweng to Gayasi upstream.
The La Trinidad Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRMO) Office earlier reported that two individuals crossing the Gayasi Bridge on motorcycle were swept by strong water current that engulfed the bridge on August 13.
The victims' jacket and helmet were found a few meters from the area.
La Trinidad MDRRMO I Elgin Bulcio said the ongoing search operations remain challenging with the strong current, but the color of the river improved as compared to last week.
Bulcio said they have asked the assistance of the health office for vitamins of the rescuers.
In an earlier public service announcement, organizations and individuals were being asked to help support the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Officials of Barangay Wangal said the search and rescue teams and volunteers are in need of food and other materials such as ropes, water hoses, swimming gears, and oxygen tanks.