Foreign Hikers Rescued in Philippines After Days-Long Search; Four Still Missing

Valencia, Negros Oriental, Philippines – A search and rescue operation in the mountains of Negros Oriental province has led to the successful recovery of two foreign hikers, while efforts continue to locate four others who remain missing. The group of six went missing on Wednesday, March 19, after embarking on a trek near the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park.

The rescued hikers, identified as 63-year-old British national Alexander Radvanyi and 58-year-old German national Torsten Martin Groschupp, were found Friday morning by Team Malabo, a search and rescue unit from Sibulan town. According to Dr. Sheryl, a rural health officer, the men were in good condition, having sustained themselves by drinking water from the lake and consuming snacks they had packed. Groschupp reported that the hike was initially planned as a four-hour excursion.

Search Efforts Intensify for Remaining Hikers

The four hikers still missing are Aldwin Fink, 60, of Germany; Anton Chernov, 38, of Russia; Wolfgang Schlenker, 67, of Germany; and a 50-year-old Canadian man identified only as Terry. Authorities have resumed search and rescue operations, focusing on the rugged mountainous region near the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes. The challenging terrain and dense forest have complicated the search efforts.

Lieutenant Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, confirmed that the search and rescue operations would continue. The Valencia Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office initiated the search on Thursday, March 20, but suspended operations later that day before resuming on Friday.

Trekking Trip Turns Perilous

The group of hikers set out around 8 a.m. on Wednesday to climb Mount Talinis, a complex volcano southwest of Valencia. Mount Talinis, the second-highest peak on Negros Island after Mount Kanlaon, rises approximately 1,903 meters above sea level. The hikers were reported missing on Thursday after they failed to return to their rental house. According to Corporal Wilber Limaco, desk officer at the Valencia Police Station, the wives of two of the hikers contacted the police when the group failed to return and could not be reached by mobile phone.

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park: A Popular but Challenging Destination

The Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is a protected area encompassing two crater lakes, Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao. The park is a popular destination for tourists and hikers, offering scenic views and diverse flora and fauna. However, the area's mountainous terrain and dense forests can pose challenges for even experienced hikers, especially during periods of heavy rain.

Community Support and Ongoing Investigation

Local authorities and community volunteers are actively involved in the search and rescue efforts. The incident has prompted a review of safety protocols for hikers in the region. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the hikers' disappearance, including whether they were adequately prepared for the trek and if they had a local guide.

Hope Remains as Search Continues

As the search enters its third day, authorities remain hopeful that the remaining four hikers will be found safe. The successful rescue of Radvanyi and Groschupp provides a boost to the search teams and reinforces the importance of continued efforts. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of mountain hiking and the need for proper planning, preparation, and adherence to safety guidelines. The Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies are assisting in the search, deploying additional personnel and resources to the area. The families of the missing hikers are being kept informed of the progress of the search.