Lance Jero Tacsagon, a 14-year-old Negros Occidental High School student, won the Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) ‘swim for a cause’ challenge yesterday, conquering a 2.5-kilometer course from Iloilo City to Jordan, Guimaras in 42 minutes.

18-year-old April Jane Eslabon of St. Paul University came in second place with 49 minutes. She was followed by 32-year-old Alxandra Ganzon from Barangay Burgos, located in the La Paz district of Iloilo City, who finished in 50 minutes.

A total of 40 competitors took part in the event, including PRO-6 director, Police Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag, who finished in two hours and 27 minutes.

“I feel happy because I was able to reach at the finish line,” he said in a speech during the event’s closing rites. “I did this for my men and I congratulate all the swimmers.”

The younger swimmer, 13-year-old Ezrah Beatrice Campo of Bacolod City, finished in the Top 10.

The event sought to raise funds to provide financial assistance for police officers who were wounded or killed in the line of duty. Organizers also hope the event helps promote tourism for Guimaras and Iloilo./WDJ