Rizal Philippines | August 26, 2014
From Summit Express
The officials, especially those who planned the outing at BSU are under fire for having been responsible for the adventure tour of BSU students. But we can only judge this to be caused by a flash flood, which is beyond the control of the officials. I was a mountaineer. And I know that the flash floods have caused more deaths for trekkers and mountaineers than accidents, falls, or other causes. You cross a river, or in a river bank and suddenly the river's level has risen by two meters and its all over you.
"According to reports, students planned to hike at Mt. Manalmom. However, they were advised not to go on because of the flood spawned by the downpour." So they proceeded against advice? Who is to be blamed?
Of course, the safety measures, whether life vests were provided (who would have anticipated that you need life vest in a ankle deep water) are to be investigated. And whether waivers were signed by students (as is the usual case) as to absolve the organizers of liability in case of events like this.
We condole with the family of the deceased. But God takes away precious ones he likes. We do not know the hour and time of the day. And it so happened it was during an outing.
Let us pray for their souls.
