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08:24 am EST May 17, 2006
(MountEverest.net) Media sources in the Philippines are praising Heracleo “Leo” Oracion as the first Filipino Everest summiter.

Leo reached the summit today at 3:30 pm, local time from the South Col route. “The Philippine Eagle has landed on the summit,” he reportedly told expedition leader Arturo Valdez through the radio.

Erwin "Pastor" Emata, another member of the national expedition was expected to reach Camp 4 by 12 noon or 1 p.m Wednesday. It is unclear if he turned round. Romi Garduce preferred to follow a more regular pace, and is currently between C3 and C4.




First Filipino's controversy

Yesterday, there were unconfirmed reports on Filipino Dale Abenojar reaching the summit from the north side, despite previous reports stating he had aborted his attempt.

Harry Kikstra had seen Dale only days before heading down the valley on the back of a yak. So when Harry found him Friday, between ABC and C1 'apparently going for the summit' he was very surprised. Details are sketchy and the news has yet to be confirmed – a complete report and proof is expected from Abenojar soon.

The island archipelago of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Philippines has two independent climbers and a national team currently climbing the mountain; in a quest to plant the national flag on the summit of Everest for the first time.

The National Philippines Mount Everest Expedition was planned for 2007, but rapidly brought forward their plans when they heard a single climber, Romeo Garduce, was attempting the peak this year, after he refused an invitation to join the expedition in 2003.

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