Missing mountaineer rescued in Batangas

BATANGAS CITY, Philippines—A mountaineer missing since Monday was rescued Thursday afternoon by a team of policemen and volunteers along  a trail on Mount Malipunyo in Biak na Bundok in Lipa City’s Barangay Talisay. The man was injured on one leg by a trap intended for wild animals.

Superintendent Jacinto Malinao, Lipa City police chief, said mountaineer Joey Vergara, 32, a resident of Lipa, went for a hike on Mount Malipunyo with several mountaineering companions at about 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 16. But when the others went down at 6 p.m., Vergara insisted to stay for the night, said Malinao.

His companions reported him missing when Vergara failed to come down on Monday.

Malinao said the two groups of policemen, volunteers and guides who had been looking for Vergara found him at around 12:20 p.m. Thursday at the Biak na Bundok area adjoining the Malarayat golf course in Barangay Talisay.

Vergara had injuries on his left leg caused by a trap for wild animals and was now undergoing treatment at a hospital in Lipa, said Malinao.