Bacayao Sur rescue team given salute for saving 3 kids
A rescue team of Barangay Bacayao Sur in Dagupan City was commended by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) for saving three young siblings from imminent drowning at the height of the widespread flooding in the city on July 22.
Resolution No. R-088, passed by the SP in its regular session on August 4, recognized the team under the leadership of Punong Barangay Michael Taminaya, together with Administrator Venancio Abulencia, Chief Tanod Joel Castillo and Tanod Mario Gonzalez for demonstrating exemplary courage and heroics in braving fierce flood to rescue siblings Angel Krisha, 6, Allan Franco, 7, and Jerwin, 9, all children of Michelle Maala, 39.
Abulencia told the SP that at 10 a.m. on July 22, when the flood was already about over four feet, the mother lost her hold on the three children and they were swept away by the strong current outside their house.
The children ended up at the galvanized iron fence of their yard, and before the fence was swept away by the flood, they were rescued.
At that time, the rescue team, riding on a banca, was on patrol and looking for families stranded in their homes.
Councilor Marcelino Fernandez noted that had the response of the barangay official been delayed for one or two more minutes, the three siblings, including their mother, would have all been swept away to the Pantal River.
On July 22, Bacayao Sur, located at the eastern bank of the Pantal-Sinocalan River, was the most severely affected barangay of Dagupan during the 10-day flood from July 21 to 31, caused by days of monsoon rains and typhoons that coincided with high tide.
“During these life-threatening conditions, Punong Barangay Michael Taminaya, together with Barangay Kagawad Jun Abulencia, Chief Tanod Joel Castillo and Tanod Mario Gonzales, courageously battled fierce rushing floodwaters to rescue three young individuals from an imminent drowning incident, risking their own lives to save the lives of others,” states the resolution authored by Councilor Michael Fernandez. (Leonardo Micua)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
