Pinoy Aquaman conquers Camiguin-Misamis Oriental channel

CEBU, Philippines - Lawyer Ingemar Macarine, popularly known as ‘Pinoy Aquaman,’ overcame the strong current and conquered the Camiguin-Misamis Oriental sea in his open-water swim, which he did for peace in Mindanao.

Macarine, in his message to The Freeman, said he clocked seven hours and 47 minutes in crossing the 23.4-kilometer sea distance.

Instead of crossing the 12-km distance from Guinsiliban town of Camiguin province, the Pinoy Aquaman was carried instead to the coastal barangay of Calamcam in Talisayan, a neighboring town of Balingoan, the supposed landing point in Misamis Oriental.

“Swim started from Guinsiliban Port of Camiguin Island and our original landing point was Balingoan Port, but I was carried away by the strong current,” he said.

Macarine added: “I am saddened by the ongoing war in Marawi City. This swim is my humble contribution to promote peace between our brother Muslims and Christians in Mindanao. Swim is also to promote tourism in Camiguin and for cleaner seas.”

The crossing of the Camiguin-Misamis Oriental sea was also part of Macarine’s preparations for his second attempt to cross the dangerous English Channel, between France and England, on August this year. He tried it last year but was prevented due to the bad weather at the time.

Macarine—a native of Placer, Surigao del Norte and currently the Comelec officer of Tubigon, Bohol—thanked the Dagohoy Masonic Lodge No. 84, headed by Worshipful Master Lord Marapao V for financing this swim; to Camiguin Governor Maria Luisa Romualdo and Mayor JJ Romualdo of Mambajao, capital town of Camiguin, for the escort boats; and to the media covering the swim. (FREEMAN)