It is still vivid in the memories of the locals how a river overflow has caused the lives of many people in Igbaras, Iloilo; and 17 years after, Igbarasnons continued to remember the tragic incident, not just only by praying for the victims, but also honoring the unsung heroes who sacrificed and put their lives at risk during the Songsongon River Tragedy.
On Monday, October 2, 2023, exactly 17 years after the said tragedy, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Igbaras recognized the locals who showed heroism and selflessness as they tried to rescue casualties and save lives during the incident.
Igbaras, Iloilo Mayor Vicente Escorpion Jr. even recalled what happened on October 2, 2006, citing that it was Igbaras’ worst tragedy as 41 people died, wherein 22 were retrieved, while 19 are still missing up to the present.
Escorpion narrated that the victims during that time attended the funeral of a retired teacher at the municipal cemetery, and were on their way home, when the engine of the passenger jeepney conked out more than halfway on the Songsongon overflow bridge.The jeepney overturned several times and fell to a drop of more than six feet after rampaging waters swept it away.
“Daw preska pa sa akon nga panghuna-huna diri na ginpanghaya ang mga patay kag dungan man sila gin lubong. So, can you just imagine the mourning and agony sang mga pamilya kag gina buylugan man sang bilog nga banwa,” Escorpion said.
The mayor, however, noted that the incident also showed the resilience and
compassion among individuals, as many people extended help during and even after the tragedy.
“Nakita man ang outpouring of love, of concerns, sang mga tao, hindi lang sa Igbaras kundi sa nagkalain-lain nga lugar sa Iloilo kag kalibutan. Even during the tragedy and a few days after, damo ang nag risgo sang ila kabuhi para lang masalbar, makita ang nagkalaanod. Now, 17 years after sadtong incident, subong nga adlaw, ang aton focus, luwas sa pagremember sang mga nadula, amu ang pagkabaganihan, ang heroism, ang selflessness sang mga tao nga nagresponde,” he said.
During the program, the PDRRMC and Igbaras-LGU gave the late Marben N. del Rio, who was then 17 years old, the Scout Roy Award, citing that Marben lost his young life after he untiringly carried six casualties down the Tangyan river up to the side of the highway and swam the current of river to save other persons.
Marben’s father, Gerardo del Rio accepted the award, which made him teary eyed, remembering the sacrifices that his son made in order to save other persons.
Aside from Marben, several locals were also given the Scout Roy Commendation for showing acts of heroism as they risked their own lives to rescue some victims during the tragedy. The honored locals were Ramil Esgra, Jose Maria Eclavia, Arnel Elle, Richard Elle, Antonio Emperado, Ramil Emperado, Ranielo Encanto, Jose Ma. Rowel Estraza, Oliver Espadilla, Romie Selorico, Antonio Tosita, Mario Eucacion, Jose Flor Empig, Eugenio Escabilla, and Gerardo del Rio.
The Igbaras LGU, on the other hand, said that years after the tragedy, two bridges, particularly the Songsongon and Ligtus bridges, were already built on the area, assuring residents of safe travels especially during the rainy season.
Meanwhile, the healing indeed went slowly among family members. The painful memories of the tragic incident might also still continue to linger in their minds, but just like the river that took the lives of their loved ones and where the unsung heroes rose, life must still continue to flow even 17 years after, and beyond. (AAL/JNH/PIA6 Iloilo)
