LUNA, Apayao – Three police officers tragically lost their lives after their boat capsized in Apayao River in the morning of December 6, 2024.
The police officers are identified as Patrolmen John Lorenzo Togay-an, Jr. Resty Paclay Bayog, and Halteric Quezon Pallat.
Said officers are part of a team from the 2nd Apayao Police Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and Calanasan Municipal Police Station (MPS). They were on their way to Barangay Langnao of the said town to pursue a follow-up investigation and a possible arrest of a suspect involved in a shooting incident last week.
The team boarded a boat (barangay) operated by a certain Gilbert Parao to cross the Apayao River. However, strong currents caused by continuous heavy rain in the province, overturned the boat.
Five others, including four police personnel and the boat operator, survived the incident.
Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) operations were immediately launched by the Apayao Police Provincial Office (APPO) in coordination with the Apayao Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (DRRMD), Calanasan MPS, and Kabugao MPS.
The bodies of three officers were recovered after days of relentless search efforts.
Meanwhile, Apayao Lone District Representative Cong. Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang expressed her condolences through a message, and acknowledged the bravery and sacrifices of the fallen heroes.
“Thank you so much to everyone who helped in the SRR, especially to APPO Provincial Director PCol. Arnold Razote, and PLCol. Oliver Panabang. Our prayers and condolences to the families of our PNP personnel,” she said.
PCol. Razote likewise thanked the agencies and individuals who worked tirelessly in the SRR operations. “We extend our gratitude for the all-out support given by all agencies involved in the immediate recovery of our three fallen heroes. This was made possible because you were there for us. The PNP remain indebted with all your kindness and unselfish act of volunteerism and cooperativeness,” he said in a statement.
The Province of Apayao mourns the loss of its own sons who dedicated their lives to ensure peace and safety in the communities. They remind us all of what it means to serve, to protect, and to love a community deeply enough to give everything. By Jess Christley Marquez
