Special elite police force trainee goes missing in Zambales river

MASINLOC, Zambales–Rescuers have been searching for a police special action force unit trainee who was dragged away by the river’s strong current during a Sept. 10 exercise here.

Search operations conducted on Saturday (Sept. 14) by the police and the municipal government examined the banks of Lauis River in Barangay (village) Taltal which aspiring police commando Pat Durante had attempted to cross.

Durante was tasked to secure the ropes to be used for the river crossing exercise of the Special Action Force Commando Course (SAFCC), when he was pulled away by the strong current, said Police Lt. Joseph Placido, platoon leader of the course’ Combat Group 4 Cheetah.

Residents of Sitio Coto, where the accident took place, have taken part in the search for Durante. /jpv