2 trike drivers honored for heroism

Two tricycle drivers, wounded when they responded to a cry for help from a businesswoman being robbed at gunpoint in Valenzuela City last Thursday, were honored by Metro Manila police director Chief Superintendent Edgar Aglipay.

Danilo Mimosa, 39, was shot in the chest but said his experience will not deter him from aiding other holdup victims in the future. His companion, William Espanola, 42, was also shot in the chest and is still in pain.

Both Mimosa and Espanola were given a plaque of recognition and cash rewards by Aglipay who visited them at the Fatima Hospital in Valenzuela City. "Such heroic deeds should not be left unrecognized so that others can emulate their good example," Aglipay said.

Aglipay and City Mayor Bobbit Carlos agreed to shoulder the hospital expenses of Mimosa and Espanola. The two tricycle drivers were waiting for passengers in Barangay Marulas at 3 p.m. Thursday when attracted by shouts for help from businesswoman, Felicitas Caceres, 53.

Caceres said she was on her way to meet her associates and do some marketing when gun-wielding Julie Gonzaga demanded she hand over her bag containing P53,000.

Gonzaga was about to escape when Caceres shouted for help. Mimosa and Espanola ran to her aid but Gonzaga fired twice, hitting them both in the chest. Although wounded, Mimosa and Espanola led fellow tricycle drivers in cornering Gonzaga until policemen arrived.

The bag was recovered from Gonzaga and returned to Caceres with her money intact. Caceres also visited the two tricycle drivers yesterday and rewarded them with P3,000 each.

Gonzaga is detained at the Valenzuela City police detention center, charged with frustrated homicide, robbery holdup and illegal possession of firearm.-