3 individuals who saved lives during Ondoy's onslaught honored

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate adopted last night resolutions commending “exemplary heroism” of three individuals who sacrificed their lives to save scores of people at the height of storm “Ondoy.”

In Senate Resolution Numbers 1389 and 1390 authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, three soldiers – Private First Class Venancio Ancheta and Corporal Adriano Regua, and Muelmar Magallanes – were commended “for their bold and selfless act” of bringing to safety hundreds of residents in Luzon.

Estrada asserted that these modern-day heroes “deserve the accolades of the Filipino nation” and whose qualities are definitely worthy of emulation.

People like them inspire self-sacrifice and genuine concern for those in need, he added.

Ancheta, who belonged to Alpha Company of the Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, was able to rescue 20 residents trapped by floodwaters in Barangay Tunhac, Famy, Laguna, before he was swept away by the current.

His team was able to save more than 600 individuals in the area.

Regua led the rescue mission of the Citizen’s Armed Forces Geographical Unit that successfully brought to safety 200 residents from Mabitac, Laguna.

The CAFGU team braved the rampaging floodwaters until Regua and some militiamen were carried away by the current.

Their remains were recovered in Barangay Nanguma, Laguna the following day.

The Armed Forces bestowed the Bronze Cross and posthumous promotion to Ancheta and Regua.

After ensuring that his family was out of danger, Magallanes, 18, dove back into the flood to pull some 30 other victims to dry ground.

Later, Magallanes was too weak to save himself amid the rampaging waters that swallowed him.

“This commendation also goes out to all the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, government officials, social workers, corporations, private citizens and volunteers who tirelessly and wholeheartedly offered their selves for the rescue and service to the victims of ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng,’” Estrada said.

“We were reminded once more that Filipinos can unite under one noble cause and that the spirit of bayanihan is very much alive.”   – Christina Mendez