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[Twin-Skies]

Soldier saves 20 before drowning in Laguna
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?art...egoryId=63

MANILA, Philippines - A soldier saved 20 people from raging floodwaters during rescue operations but lost his own life when he drowned later in Famy town, Laguna.

Rescuers recovered yesterday the body of Army Private First Class Venancio Ancheta after he was swept away by rushing floodwaters while rescuing residents at the height of storm “Ondoy.”

Ancheta, member of the Alpha Company of the 16th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was among six rescuers who died while helping flood victims in Laguna.

Troops also recovered the bodies of Army Cpl. Adriano Regua and Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit militiamen Joel Hernalin, Erineo Olaguer, Florencio Dequino, and Pedro Falcon in Barangay Nanguma in Mabitac town, Laguna.

Two more CAFGU militiamen were still missing as of press time.

“Ancheta was able to save 20 people from the raging floods before he was swept away,” said Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, army spokesman.

Soldiers from the 16th Army Infantry Battalion and the 1st IB based in Cavinti, Laguna were also still looking for their missing colleagues.

A moment of silence for those who have truly lived above and beyond the call of duty...