Panglao’s MENRO Reef Rangers – FIRST diving team to respond to Clarin Bridge tragedy 

Dondon Menorias (standing at left, facing camera), the leader of the rescue & diving team of the Panglao’s Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENRO) Reef Rangers or the MENRO Boys, conducts a briefing for the responders tasked to do the rescue operation related to Loay’s Clarin Bridge collapse. The MENRO Reef Rangers represent the FIRST DIVING TEAM who responded to the emergency situation that happened in the afternoon of April 27, 2022. Photo lifted from the Municipality of Panglao Facebook page

The munciipality of Panglao, under the leadership of Mayor Leonila Montero and Coun. Amira Alia Montero-Caindec, was the FIRST TOWN which dispatched the members of the diving team of its Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Reef Rangers known as the MENRO Boys to help in the rescue efforts after Loay’s old Clarin bridge collapsed in the afternoon of Apr. 27, 2022.

Reports say the MENRO Boys were the first diving team to the scene and helped rescue the victims of the tragic incident at Loay’s old Clarin Bridge who got submerged underwater.

The team of responders from Panglao was led by Danilo Menorias, reports add. 

The MENRO is helmed by Lino Sumaylo, sources say.

This information was confirmed by Chandymar Batoy, the executive assistant to the Mayor for communications, in an interview over Open Forum program on Apr. 27, 2022.

He said that personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection of Panglao were also deployed for the rescue operation.

Despite the effort of the MENRO Boys, according to some reports they were not acknowledged by some sectors who were conducting the rescue efforts.

Then again, according to Menorias, even if his team was not properly acknowledged for its effort, the MENRO Boys find joy and fulfilment that they are able to help those who are in need.

Moreover, a local restaurant donated food packs for the MENRO Boys, according to a report from the Municipality of Panglao.

Furthermore, Mayor Montero lauded Menorias and the MENRO Boys for heeding her marching orders to help in the search and rescue operations in Loay.