Mountain News: 5 hikers dead in river crossing incident in San Jose, Tarlac; one missing

FILE PHOTO: The river in Brgy. Iba, San Jose, Tarlac

We have received reports, both from media and from hikers familiar with the ongoing developments, that a group of hikers got caught in a flashflood on August 30 while crossing a river in Sitio Baag, Brgy. Iba, San Jose, Tarlac. Sitio Baag is home to the "San Jose Circuit" - a trail that runs through three mountains: Mts. Tangisan, Kawayan, and Bungkol Baka. The hikers, who were joining an outreach to the Aeta community in the area  were reported to be descending from Mt. Kawayan when a flashflood swept them from the river they were trying to cross. One source told us that they were using a rope.

Five hikers were reported dead and one is still missing. An Inquirer report identified the victims as Mark Raven Villanueva, Rocky Sumalinog, Jose Bernadette Ramirez, Jo Marie San Diego and Doreen Adriano. Several others were reported injured. Contrary to an earlier report by ABS-CBN (which has since been amended), none of the victims belonged to the UP Mountaineers, who took part in the search and rescue operations.

The river in question - Pangasahan River in some accounts - is known to swell during the rainy season.

Flashfloods are the leading cause of hiking-related deaths in the Philippines. In September 2011, hiker Adrian Alba was swept by strong currents in Rodriguez, Rizal. In 2008 and 2009, two incidents in Anawangin Cove in Zambales also involving river crossings, also claimed the lives of several hikers.

The mountaineering community has taken to social media to express sympathies over this tragic accident. We are praying for the safety/rescue of missing hiker, speedy recovery for those who were injured, and comfort for the families of the victims.

For updates and/or feedback please contact gideon@pinoymountaineer.com.