MPD civilian worker cited for saving cop

A female non-uniformed personnel (NUP) of the Manila Police District (MPD) was awarded a letter of commendation yesterday for saving the life of a policeman.

In a flag-raising ceremony at MPD headquarters, MPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong cited NUP Juanita Soriano "for having displayed impeccable judgment and quick response" to an emergency situation when SPO1 Ador Lansang of the Binondo police station figured in a vehicular accident.

Bulaong said that on the night of Sept. 21, Soriano, who was on her way home, witnessed an accident involving a motorcycle and a taxi at the corner of Rizal Avenue Extension and Santos Teodoro street in Tondo.

The motorcycle was sideswiped by the taxi causing the rider to fall unconscious into a creek. Sensing that she could not fish out the victim by herself, Soriano immediately shouted for help, prompting people from the neighborhood to retrieve the victim’s body from the creek. Soriano then resuscitated the injured man before he was brought to the nearest hospital.

The rider, who turned out to be Lansang, survived the accident and is now recuperating at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center. Soriano also took for safekeeping the Lansang’s P3,000 cash, PNP identification card, ATM card, cellular phone and wristwatch, which she later turned over to the officer’s wife.

"It is everyone’s duty to assist people in distress. It was only a coincidence that I was at the right place at the right time," said Soriano.

It was the second time for Soriano to receive a letter of commendation from the MPD.

Last July 25, she was also cited for being instrumental, together with Theft and Robbery Section operatives, in the swift arrest of Jaime Fugen and Vivian Bulaklak, two snatchers operating in the Sta. Cruz district.

According to Theft and Robbery Section commander Chief Inspector Benjamin Reyes, a third commendation is forthcoming for Soriano for another successful police operation in the neutralization of crime gangs in the Recto area.

Soriano, who also wants to be a policewoman, joins policemen during operations, Reyes said.

He said Soriano always finds a way to assist people in need. "She is really a pride of Manila’s Finest."