Cadiz city: Tributes have poured in for Master Sgt. Fernando Marfa Jr., who died while rescuing two Bantay Dagat patrollers in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on Friday. Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. led Cadiznons in mourning the death of Marfa, calling him a hero for sacrificing his life in the line of duty. 'The city government will extend assistance to the Marfa family,' the mayor said in a statement on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 40-year-old police officer's remains will be brought to his family home at Cadiz Heights in Barangay Tinampa-an on Saturday afternoon. Marfa, who had served in the Philippine National Police (PNP) for 15 years, is the younger brother of Jejanfer Marfa, the missing crew member of the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier M/V Devon Bay, which capsized within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone last January.

Late Friday morning, the Bantay Dagat team was crossing the river along Sitio Bisan, Barangay Luna when water entered the motorboat, prompting the team to disembark. Two civilians, identified as Alnaven Rull and Elmer Terencio Jr., were swept away by the powerful current, and Marfa quickly went to rescue them. Marfa, however, was carried downstream and went missing. He was found after an hour of search operation and was declared dead on arrival at the Cadiz District Hospital.

In a separate statement, the Police Regional Office - Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said Marfa, a deputized member of the Cadiz City Bantay Dagat, 'made the ultimate sacrifice' in his efforts to save the two personnel during an official seaborne patrol operation. 'His selfless courage, unwavering dedication to duty, and steadfast commitment to public service exemplified the highest ideals of the PNP. We stand with the bereaved family in this time of profound grief and honor the life of a police officer who embodied courage, honor, and selfless service,' PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardi±o said.

The PSI Sigma PHI Fraternity and Sorority Negros Council also mourned the loss of Marfa, whom they described as the group's strong pillar in northern Negros. Marfa is the third police officer in Negros Island Region who lost his life in the line of duty this year. In May, Master Sgt. Davy Carampatana, 38, was fatally stabbed by a drug suspect during a buy-bust in La Castellana, Negros Occidental. In April, Master Sgt. Romulo Galvez Jr., 43, was shot during an anti-drug operation in Bacolod City.