ISABELA CITY, Basilan — The body of a 53-year-old man who was swept away by strong floodwaters in Isabela City, Basilan, was recovered Thursday evening, October 1, after nearly a day of search and retrieval operations along the river in Barangay Kapayawan.
The victim was identified as Nasser M. Hugo, a resident of Barangay Lumbang, Isabela City. He was reported missing on the evening of September 30 after he was swept away by strong river currents in the area of Sapa Kumalang.
Initial information indicated that Hugo was carried away by the rapidly moving floodwaters, prompting authorities and emergency responders to immediately launch search and rescue efforts.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Isabela City initially received the report and coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Isabela. Search efforts were subsequently conducted by responders, including the Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Team of the Isabela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), in coordination with the PCG.
The search continued into October 1, with responders focusing on portions of the river in Barangay Kapayawan where the victim was believed to have been carried by the current.
Before noon on October 1, the 6th Special Forces “LIONHEART” Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey A. Fabros, was tasked through the Isabela City CDRRMO to augment the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Scuba diver-qualified personnel from the battalion, together with members of the 19th Special Forces Company led by Second Lieutenant Edrain Nico A. Tavares, proceeded to the incident area.
The military team coordinated with the CDRRMO-Isabela City and the Philippine Coast Guard – SOU Central Pasangen Substation before conducting search and retrieval dive sweeps along an assessed portion of the river.
The operation, however, was temporarily suspended late in the afternoon because of rising water levels and hazardous river conditions. Responders prioritized the safety of the personnel involved as the river became increasingly dangerous.
The search eventually ended with the recovery of Hugo’s body later that evening.
According to the information released by responders, the victim’s body resurfaced in the area and was immediately recovered by his relatives.
The recovery brought to a close an intensive search that had lasted nearly a day following the September 30 incident.
The operation also underscored the importance of coordination among local disaster responders, the Coast Guard, fire authorities and military personnel during emergencies involving rapidly rising floodwaters and dangerous river currents.
The 6th Special Forces Battalion said the deployment demonstrated the unit’s readiness to support civilian authorities during disasters and emergencies, particularly through its specialized capabilities and trained personnel.
Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Hugo’s death. The incident serves as another reminder of the dangers posed by strong river currents and rapidly rising floodwaters, particularly during periods of heavy rain.
Residents in flood-prone communities are urged to exercise extreme caution near rivers, creeks and other waterways whenever water levels rise or currents become unusually strong.