The search and rescue operation for a hiker reported missing on Mt. Kalatungan in Pangantucan, Bukidnon has been extended by authorities to 10 days.

After several days of combing the forests of Mt. Kalatungan, the first search and rescue team deployed to locate 31-year-old hiker Alkharj Zamayla, who went missing last week after climbing the mountain, has returned.

In a video captured by a certain Emily Flo, several hikers were seen slowly making their way back to the town proper as the group was unable to find Zamayla following the operation.

Rescuers cited the rugged forest terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions as among the major challenges hampering the search efforts.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), police, military troops, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), and other search and rescue groups met to identify and map the areas already covered in the operation where missing Zamayla has not been found.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), the search and rescue operation has been extended from the standard seven days to 10 days after authorities learned that missing hiker works as a safety officer.

“So kung muingon kita og kaning survival rate niya labi na sa ingon ana nga klase nga lugar taas siya og survival rate kay aduna siya’y skills ug aduna sab siya’y knowledge unsaon pag-survive,” PRO-10 Spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said.

Equipment and K9 dogs have also been deployed to Mt. Kalatungan to strengthen ongoing search efforts.

“Everyday tungod kay lisod gyud kayo ang pag-adto sa maong area aduna kita’y pagrotation lahi-lahi napud nga team ang musulod ilisan napud sila sa lain nga team. So far sa pagkakaron karon nga adlaw wala pa kita’y nadawat nga any significant development,” Navarro added.

The search and rescue operation is now on its seventh day since Zamayla was last seen on the morning of June 12.