BACOLOD City — A police officer died after attempting to rescue two companions who were swept away by a strong river current during a seaborne patrol in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, on August 7.
Police Master Sergeant Fernando P. Marfa, assigned to the Cadiz City Police Station, was conducting patrol operations with members of the Bantay Dagat in the waters of Sitio Bisang, Barangay Luna, at about 10:30 a.m. when the incident occurred, according to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
Initial investigation showed that Marfa and his companions were crossing a river during the operation when two of them were swept away by the strong current and began struggling in the water.
Marfa immediately attempted to rescue them but was himself overwhelmed by the powerful current and submerged.
Personnel from the Cadiz City Police Station, along with responders from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), immediately launched search and retrieval operations.
Marfa was eventually recovered and rushed to the Cadiz District Hospital for emergency treatment but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
His death was attributed to asphyxia due to drowning.
PRO-NIR mourned Marfa’s death, describing his final act as one of courage and selflessness in the line of duty.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño honored the fallen officer, saying Marfa “exemplified the true meaning of service above self.”
“His final act was one of extraordinary courage, choosing to risk his own life to save others,” Cardiño said.
Marfa’s death has left the Negros police force mourning the loss of a dedicated officer whose final moments were spent attempting to save the lives of others./PN
