Two Dutch nationals who went missing while trekking in the mountainous area of Brgy. Cambulo and Brgy. Pula, Banaue, Ifugao were successfully rescued by a joint team of authorities and volunteers on Saturday, September 3, 2023.
The missing persons were identified as Roy Schouten, 22, and Rich Schouten, 19, who were reported to have disappeared on Friday, September 2, 2023. They were part of a group of tourists who visited the famous rice terraces in Banaue.
According to the report from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the search and rescue operation was conducted by the troops from the 2nd Ifugao Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Banaue Municipal Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Banaue, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Banaue Tour Guides, Barangay Officials, and other volunteers.
The team located the two Dutchmen at Sitio Lamagan, Cambulo, Banaue, Ifugao around 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. They were found to have sustained minor injuries and were given first aid by the rescuers. They were then escorted back to the town proper for further treatment and assistance.
The PNP and the BFP reminded the tourists to always coordinate with the local authorities and follow the safety protocols when visiting the tourist spots in Ifugao. They also thanked the cooperation of the local community and the volunteers who helped in the successful rescue operation.