PEOPLE OF BORACAY | Unsung Heroes

Malay Council Bolsters Disaster Response After Yapak Lifeguard’s Heroism

By Jun N. Aguirre

In the wake of a tragedy that stirred both grief and pride across the municipality, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malay is pushing for a comprehensive plan to strengthen the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

The legislative push comes as a direct response to the death of Rex Pablo Aguirre, a dedicated MDRRMO lifeguard who died during a rescue operation off Puka Beach in Barangay Yapak, Boracay.

On March 12, the Barangay Council issued a posthumous resolution declaring Aguirre a hero.

Councilor Fernando Evangelio Delos Reyes told the Boracay Sun News that Aguirre, his childhood friend, was known for his dedication to public service.

“His heroism and sacrifice will forever remain in the hearts of the people of our community,” Delos Reyes said, adding that Aguirre was always willing to help during calamities, typhoons and emergencies “without hesitation.” Reyes also described Aguirre as “friendly, humble and religious,” noting his active participation in Lenten traditions and his devotion to both family and community.  “The barangay has lost not only an active employee but also a brave public servant who was always ready to respond whenever his community needed him most,” he added.

On March 11, 2026, Aguirre joined a rapid-response team dispatched to Yapak after reports of a Russian tourist struggling against powerful rip currents. Despite dangerous sea conditions, Aguirre reached the tourist and ensured his safety before being swept away by the strong current.

The tourist was brought to a local hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

During a somber March 12 session, SB members emphasized that the best way to honor Aguirre’s legacy is to ensure that no other responder faces such risks without the highest level of support.

“Rex Aguirre exemplified the spirit of a public servant, placing the life of a stranger above his own,” a council spokesperson said. Councilor Renato Gelito added, “We owe it to him, his family, and his colleagues to ensure our MDRRMO is the best-equipped and most-supported unit in the region.”

Gelito noted that the Yapak and Ilig-Iligan areas are known for rough waves, making manual rescues especially difficult.

Councilor Vicky Aguirre, chair of the committee on public safety, said she would ask the Philippine Coast Guard to strengthen monitoring measures, particularly for sea sports activities.

“We want to have focus on clarifying lifeguard deployment, assessing equipment and coordinating efforts with the MDRRMO and PCG representatives,” she said.

Malay MDRRMO chief Catherine Ong-Fulgencio said she has requested the SB to increase support for the department.

“We specifically need an increased budget for operations, especially to improve the capability of our lifeguards and acquire modern equipment,” she said.

As Boracay continues to welcome thousands of tourists daily, the planned strengthening of the MDRRMO highlights the vital role first responders play in keeping visitors safe. For the people of Malay, Rex Pablo Aguirre’s sacrifice stands as a lasting reminder of the courage behind public service.

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Editor’s note: PAY ATTENTION TO BEACH WARNING FLAGS 

MDRRMO lifeguards are stationed at towers along White Beach and other beaches including Bulabog, Diniwid, Tambisaan and Puka Beach. However, your safety and survival as well as the safety of first responders, ultimately depend on your alertness to and following warning signs and obeying lifeguard instructions.

Key Safety Tips

• Check the warning flags as soon as you arrive at the beach or approach a lifeguard station.

• Swim only in designated areas marked by red and yellow flags, which indicate lifeguard supervision.

• A red flag means NO SWIMMING. Stay out of the water, even if you are a strong swimmer.

• If no flags are visible, ask a lifeguard about current water conditions before entering the sea.

Beach warning flags are a standardized, color-coded system used by lifeguards to communicate daily water conditions and potential marine hazards.