Roxas eco-park worker missing after river rescue

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By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A Palina Eco-park crew member went missing after he jumped into the water during a river tour with local tourists Sunday afternoon, May 31, in Barangay Cagay, Roxas City.

Local authorities identified him as Rogelio Denaga, 47, of Sitio Cablatan, Barangay Cagay.

The Roxas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office-Roxas City Emergency Response Team led the search and retrieval operation for Denaga, who was reported to have drowned in the area.

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.

Denaga failed to resurface.

Authorities said the search and retrieval operation continued from Sunday afternoon until Monday afternoon, June 1.

Denaga had been working at the tourist spot for five years.

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