• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
What began as a routine seaborne patrol on a Friday, Aug. 7 ended in tragedy and heroism after a Cadiz City police officer gave his life to save two companions from river currents.
Police Master Sgt. Fernando Marfa Jr., 40, a traffic investigator of the Cadiz Component City Police Station and a deputized member of the Bantay Dagat, drowned after being swept away by currents during a rescue attempt in Sitio Bisan, Barangay Luna, Cadiz City.
Marfa, a resident of Barangay Tinampa-an, was conducting a seaborne patrol together with three civilian companions familiar with the area, initial police investigation showed.
They were aboard a motorized banca when water suddenly entered the vessel while they were crossing the river.
All four passengers disembarked from the banca. However, two of the civilians, identified as Alnaven Rull and Elmer Terencio Jr., were carried away by the strong current.
Without hesitation, Marfa rushed to their aid and successfully helped rescue the two civilians.
However, Marfa was swept downstream and disappeared beneath the river’s surface.
For nearly an hour, personnel from the Cadiz Component City Police Station and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conducted an intensive search and retrieval operation.
When rescuers finally found Marfa, he was immediately brought to the Cadiz District Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival.
Medical findings later confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) recognized that Marfa lost his life while ensuring the safety of others.
In a statement, the PRO-NIR said his selfless act of courage and unwavering commitment to protect and save others, even at the cost of his own life, embody the highest ideals of public service and the noblest traditions of the Philippine National Police.
“PMSg Fernando 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. We mourn the loss of a dedicated police officer, a brave public servant, and a hero,” PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said. | GPB
