Lost Korean said he will never forget the kindness of the people of Barlig, Mt. Province

Photo Courtesy || Barlig Municipal Station

Cordillera - Choi Sungkyu, the Korean tourist who was rescued last week after he got lost in Mount Amuyao in Barlig, Mt. Province  had expressed his gratitude to the police, the volunteers and the locals for their effort in searching him.

Mr. Sungkyu also said that he will not forget the kindness of the people of Barlig and even told that he will give a donation to the said municipality as a way of appreciation.

He considered that day he was found to be his second birthday after he nearly gave up and lost hope that he will be rescued.

Mr Sungkyu's initial plan was to hike the Cordilleran mountain from Barlig to Banawe, Ifugao in preparation of his major climb in Santiago, Spain however, he was lost after two hours of walking.

Using his phone, he informed local authorities that he can't find his way back.

A rescue operation was mobilized by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Mt. Province, Sagada MDRRMC, locals from Barlig and 16 Korean nationals.

During those times he was lost in the forest, he said that he managed to survive with just two bars of chocolate, two bananas, and two packs of cracker. 

He said that he chose not to eat plants in the area thinking that he might get poisoned. 

"I thought of my family and God, I prayed every night, please, please, oh my God, please. Please give me power," he said.

Rescuers were able to locate Choi and gave him sardines and rice to gain back  his strength. 

He was then transported to a town hospital where he was given immediate medical care.

He and his family expressed their gratitude to all the people who sacrificed their time and effort in rescuing him.

source: abs cbn