Bahinting gets Lifesaver Award

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday handed to the widow of Capt. Jessup Bahinting a posthumous Lifesaver Award for saving the life of a zookeeper who suffered from a cobra bite.

 “Imagine if he did not intervene, we don’t know what will happen to Ronron (Ronald Aventurado),” said Rama in a brief speech before he gave the plaque to Margarita, the pilot’s widow, and their two daughters.

Aventurado earlier said he owes his life to the pilot, who three days before the crash in Masbate sent his plane to Camiguin island to get the anti-venom that saved the cobra victim.

Saying that the Department of Health’s anti-venom from Manila arrived only later, Rama said Bahinting’s “timely intervention” was what saved Aventurado.

The plaque reads: “For his dedication to a life of service to the Filipino people by leading free and unselfish missions, ambulance airlifts, acts of virtue, exemplary behavior, extraordinary display of heroism and bravery resulting in the saving of lives.”

The plaque now stands on a small table right beside the fallen pilot’s tightly-sealed coffin.

 The awarding, which was also witnessed by Aventurado himself, was held at the St. Peter’s Memorial Homes where Bahinting and his co-pilot Kshitiz Chand’s remains were brought after they were retrieved last Wednesday and Thursday from the seawaters of Masbate.

 After thanking the City Government for the award, Margarita said she does not ask God why bad things happen to good people. She quoted Romans 8:28 which says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” She considers her husband’s death as God’s way “to expose his love for Him.”

Margarita said since Bahinting’s death, a number of people had come to them telling them of his good deeds. One woman came and told her she survived a kidney disease because of Bahinting’s financial help. The pilot also reportedly gave aid to a couple from Bukidnon who almost lost their eyes. Margarita said it was also a blessing that he died with Robredo, the “high official,” otherwise what he had done to these people would “not be exposed.”

 The widow said her husband was only doing all those things because of his “great love for God” being his “instrument.” As her final words, Margarita, in tears, turned to the direction of her husband’s coffin, and promised that she would continue what he had started.

 Lapu-Lapu City Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong also handed to Margarita a copy of a city council-approved resolution stating their “deepest condolence” to the family.

The City Council pointed out Bahinting’s charity works saying his untimely death is a great loss not only to his family but to the whole nation as a whole.

The Lapu-Lapu City Council also passed a resolution expressing condolence for the family of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, who the Council said was an advocate and a “strong believer in ethical leadership, an exemplary leader who stood up to his morality and integrity which inspire many Filipinos while restoring their trust and confidence to the government and in the government sector.”

 Meanwhile, Nelson Zapata, operations manager of Aviatour-Bahinting’s flight school, denied reports that Bahinting’s pilot license expired last April. “Dili expired,” Zapata said in a text message to The FREEMAN.

Bahinting’s body will be moved to his hometown in Ginatilan, where he will be buried. Chand will also be taken to the airport today for his last flight home to Nepal.

 Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem, a close friend of Bahinting, said at least two private planes will do a fly-by when Bahinting’s body will pass the streets of Cebu City. He said speed cops will lead the whole convoy until it reaches Ginatilan.

 “Capt. Jessup did so many great things many never heard of before, but I believe the Lord gave him one more chance to be heroic in his last days on earth. And this final act sealed the fact that he was lifesaver,” Jakosalem said. — /JPM - THE FREEMAN