Cops rescue 11campers in Ginatilan

CEBU, Philippines — At least 11 local tourists from Cebu City including two minors on a camping trip to Mt. Hambubuyog in Barangay Mangako, Ginatilan were rescued by police after they called for assistance when strong winds and thick fog engulfed the area on Saturday evening.

Police Officer 3 Ruben Catubig of Ginatilan police said that they received a call at around 10 in the evening on Saturday from the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Headquarters directing them to rescue the 11 local tourists.

Ginatilan police together with the volunteers of Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office immediately went to the area and rescued all the campers.

Catubig said the campers became worried when the weather suddenly turned bad at around six in the evening.

“Nikalit ra og kusog ang hangin unya ni-uwan pa gyud. Nag-zero visibility sila ngadto. Nahadlok sad sila kay sa ka kusog sa hangin basin og luparon ang ilang mga tents unya naa pa’y duha ka bata,” said Catubig.

He said that Mt. Hambubuyog has been one of the attractions in Ginatilan among hikers and campers.

Everyone from the group was from Cebu City and had been vacationing in the area, according to Catubig.

He said that on Saturday morning, the group went to the Ginatilan police station to inform that they will be camping in Mt. Hambubuyog.

“Usa man na sa among gipanghingusgan diri nga ang mga turista magpahibawo og musaka ngadto para usab ma-inform mi ug matagaan og assistance,” said Catubig.

For his part, CPPO Spokesperson Virgilio Bayon-on commended the move of the campers to inform the local police station about their activities. (FREEMAN)