Rescue volunteer loses life while saving trapped residents amid Ulysses onslaught

A volunteer who has dedicated his life to saving people died in November after he was electrocuted as he tried to rescue trapped residents in Cagayan during the onslaught of typhoon Ulysses.

According to Cedric Castillo’s report on “24 Oras,” Henry Kelly Villarao, a fisheries law enforcement officer of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), insisted on rescuing residents on Friday, November 13.

“Friday the 13th ng gabi. Ito ‘yung pinaka height na nung taas nung tubig. At that time, medyo marami na ring na-stranded sa mga bahay-bahay,” Sherwin Buguina, team leader, said.

“Sabi ko sa kanya, magpahinga ka muna, kumain kayo, at kami muna ang mag-take over. Ang sabi niya, ‘No sir, hindi ako pagod. Itutuloy na natin ito’,” he added.

Amid complete darkness, the last mission for that day was to save the stranded Mora family. At that time, a member of the family was with Villarao’s team to join the rescue.

“Sa second floor po kasi namin, dalawang ano na lang, dalawang step na lang maaabutan na ng tubig. Hindi rin naman nila alam ‘yung other way which is ‘yung dinaanan namin. So ‘yun sumama na lang din ako sa BFAR,” Maria Katrina Mora said.

“Habang nagaantay kami, siya lang ‘yung kumakausap sa akin, ‘yung nag-offer ng pagkain, si Sir Kelly lang ‘yung ganon,” she added.

In the midst of rescue, Buguina said he heard something hit a portion of their boat then he lost consciousness.

“Pagdilat ko ang nakikita ko na lang paglingon ko is may mga nasusunog. Sinearch ko ‘yung area nakita ko meron palang wire na malapit na sa tubig,” Buguina said.

“Nakikita ko nasusunog na ‘yung mga damit ni Kelly. Siya ‘yung unang nakasalo sa lahat ng kuryente, na pagkasabog,” he added.

Meanwhile, the other members of the team sustained major injuries.

“Iba na ‘yung kutob ko parang may nangyari na hindi maganda sa kanya. Kasi hindi ko siya ma-contact, hindi ko siya matawagan. Parang mahihilo ako na parang sasakit ‘yung tiyan ko na parang wala na kong lakas,” Melanie, Villarao’s wife, said.

“Hawak-hawak ko that time si baby. Sabi ni Mama, akin na si baby baka mabitawan mo,” Melanie said.

The BFAR has recognized Villarao’s sacrifice.

Buguina, meanwhile, said Villarao was able to accomplish his mission as he had saved numerous people, including his team.

“Mission accomplished siya dahil sa dami ng naligtas, alam ko pati kami naligtas niya. Andito lang naman ‘yung team para gabayan din ‘yung naiwanan niyang anak,” he said.

Melanie also said their child will be taught that his father was a hero.

“Marami naman po siyang natulungan. At least, hindi nasayang ‘yung life nung asawa ko. Sana may time na makita ko man siya kahit minsan. ‘Pag hinahawakan ko ‘yung phone ko, hinihintay ko talaga yung tawag niya or text niya,” Melanie said.

“Sabi ko nga po sana kung may tawag man lang o text sa heaven kahit minsan lang. Hindi ko man ito nasasabi sayo ng madalas gaya ng sabi mo. Mahal na mahala kita kahit wala ka na dito. Mahal na mahal ka namin ni baby,” she added. -- Joahna Lei Casilao/BAP, GMA News