Search for missing BISOC trainee, Patrolman Aaron Blas, intensifies

Benguet, Philippines - Authorities are in full force to locate the 25-year-old police trainee who went missing during a land navigation exercise in the terrain of Philex Mines in Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet.

Patrolman Aaron L. Blas, a resident of San Gregorio, Luna, Apayao, was assigned to the First Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of said province.

Blas was last seen around 5:30 p.m. at the Zigzag Dam 2 area within Philex Mines on July 14 during a practical land navigation activity as part of the PNP’s Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC), a training focused on internal security threats.

According to authorities, the trainees’ activity began at 6:00 a.m. on that day, and Blas failed to return during the headcount at 3:00 p.m.

“Magre-recount sana sila ng alas tres and noong recount na, parang wala si Blas, so nag-recount ulit sila ng 5 p.m. at the same day. Allegedly, nakita pa si Patrolman Blas na bumalik daw doon sa Dam 2 and that is the last time na napansin siya,” stated PMAJ. Edwin Sergio, Public Information Officer of Benguet Provincial Police in his interview with local media.

In its press statement released today, July 22, Itogon Municipal Police Station said that an all-out search, rescue, and retrieval operation has been launched.

Teams from Police Regional Office -Cordillera, Regional Special Training Unit - CAR, Benguet PPO, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, RMFB 15, Bureau of Fire Protection - Itogon, Itogon MDRRMO, Philex Mining Corporation, and barangay officials of Ampucao have been mobilized, scouring the area daily for clues.

“We assure our commitment to the search, and at the same time request assistance to determine the whereabouts of Patrolman Blas,” Itogon MPS said.

Anyone who might have seen the young cop or has information is urged to contact Itogon MPS at 0998-598-7785 or reach his family through 0977-636-2197, 0945-135-5938, 0915-813-6488, 0975-307-1322, or 0956-577-6934.