Cops who risked lives in rescue missions cited

By Myds Supnad

SAN JACINTO, Pangasinan -- A neophyte, lowly-ranked cop has been the center of media’s attraction for the past few days after he played a major role, risking lives and limbs in saving the lives and properties of the people in this town at the height of Typhoon “Pepeng.”

Dubbed as “Modern day hero,” the heroic act showed by Insp. Ryan Manongdo, acting chief of police of San Jacinto, has caught the attention of the police hierarchy since what he did was a story of self-sacrifice so that others may live.

As Typhoon “Pepeng,” struck the province and the rest of Northern Luzon area, Manongdo, a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy, did not hesitate to risk his own life and braved the murky waters, with the assistance of two boys in rescuing the people who had been almost drowned by rampaging floods in the area.

Armed only with his bare hands and skills that he learned from the PNPA academy, Manongdo took an inflatable beds, and saved the children and women trapped in their houses due to the sudden flash floods.

“They could have saved more but they were too weak already from transporting people to safety. Still, they saved 130 people,” said the report, praising Manongdo for his act budded as “heroic feat that did not go unnoticed,said Chief Supt. Ramon Gatan, Region 1 PNP director.

Even Philippine National Police Director Gen. Jesus A. Verzosa was impressed by the heroic act of Manongdo, his two young companions and the hundreds of policemen who worked hand in hand in providing rescue mission and bring relief goods to victims of typhoons ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng.”

“What you did was exemplary. May you and the other officers serve as role models in being selfless and courageous in the face of calamities. During those dark times, you did not think of your own but thought of your fellowmen. Your PNP is proud of you,” Verzosa pointed out after noting the laudable action of the young PNP officer.

Meanwhile, Police Director Leopoldo Bataoil, reported that hundreds of policemen in Northern Luzon and other provinces have also lost their homes and properties because of massive flooding brought about by the two typhoons.

“A number of policemen have not gone home for several days now because they were deployed in evacuation centers and flooded areas destrcuted by Pepeng. They heeded the call of their duty although they themselves are also victims. It’s really service above self,” he said.

Bataoil assured policemen that upon instructions of the PNP Chief, the PNP leadership will provide assistance to all displaced cops.

Meanwhile, the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. announced that every policeman can avail of P50,000 calamity loan to have them heave a sigh of relief, it was learned.