Missing Palina Eco-park crewman found dead

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The body of a missing Palina Eco-park crew member was found around noon Wednesday, June 3, along the beach in Barangay Barra, Roxas City.

Authorities identified the victim as Rogelio Denaga, 47, of Sitio Cablatan, Barangay Cagay, Roxas City.

Denaga was found half-buried in the sand after he reportedly drowned on the afternoon of May 31.

Authorities believe he was carried away by a strong current after he jumped into the river to help secure the anchor of a floating cottage.

Denaga went missing during a river tour with local tourists in Barangay Cagay.

The Roxas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office-Roxas City Emergency Response Team led the search and retrieval operation.

The team was joined by the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Ferocity Fire and Rescue Volunteers, Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, local fishermen, and members of the Palina cooperative.

Barangay Cagay kagawad Isidro Aragon said in a media interview that Denaga was assisting visitors on a tour around Palina Eco-park when the incident happened.

Aragon said heavy rain and strong winds suddenly hit the area.

Denaga then jumped into the river to help control the improvised boat carrying the tourists, Aragon said. He failed to resurface.

Authorities said the search and retrieval operation continued from Sunday afternoon until Tuesday afternoon, June 2.

Denaga had worked at the tourist spot for five years.

Palina Greenbelt Eco-park, located in Sitio Cablatan, Barangay Cagay, is known for river cruises, mangroves, and community-based tourism activities in Roxas City.