A hero in ordinary clothes

You never know when you will be called on to save a life, be a hero–and give your life in doing so.

Justo Peregrino was a security guard for the ABS-CBN Foundation and a volunteer fireman. Last November 29, he was happy that his day off coincided with the fifth birthday of his second child Mark Kevin.

But at dawn, Justo was awakened by a commotion in the neighborhood in Batasan Hills, Quezon City. A couple of blocks away, a fire was raging. Apparently, a fishball vendor had left a pot simmering on the stove while he went to the market.

The fire spread quickly in the crowded neighborhood, and just as quickly Justo sprang to action. With his fireman’s training he went about rousing sleeping neighbors and getting them out to safety. He went into several houses and carried six children to safety, including a paraplegic.

Another child was trapped in a burning house. Justo grabbed a hose and, with a helpful neighbor tried to tame the flames so he could gain access to the house. Unfortunately, a severed electric wire fell on him. The live wire sent current through his body as he fell into a ditch.

Justo tried to disentangle the wire, but it had wound around his left arm. As people gathered around to try and save him, he motioned for them to stay away, because the wet ground around him would have endangered them.

He was eventually brought to nearby Malvar Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. The neighbor who assisted him with the hose was also injured, but not seriously. Unfortunately, the child Justo was trying to save perished in the fire.

"Talagang ganyan si Bobby," his widow Mary Jane told STARweek. "Matulungin, kahit na dito sa barangay. Siya ang adviser ng mga teenagers, at siya rin ang nagmo-mobilize ng mga sports activites dito sa barangay."

Last Tuesday, Justo was given a posthumous Medalya ng Katangi-tanging Asal by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in simple ceremonies at the DILG office in Quezon City.

Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes cited Justo’s selflessness, bravery and "uncommon beneficence", saying that he "stands out as a role model for everyone, worthy of highest respect and admiration". Reyes promised to help the Peregrino family–Mary Jane and her three children Jade aged 8, Mark Kevin and Althea Mae aged 3–by helping her find work.

ABS-CBN Foundation’s Gina Lopez also pledged the foundation’s support by way of funding the education of the three children all the way through high school and, if their grades are good, even up to college.

While Mary Jane is still struggling with the reality of her husband’s death, she is truly appreciative of all the kindness and assistance shown to her and the children. Her barangay helped with funeral expenses, and many people also sent financial contributions. The barangay will also honor Justo’s memory by naming the street where they live after him.

It will certainly be a sad Christmas for the Peregrino family, but Mary Jane can find some comfort in the thought that her husband gave his life in the service of others, and that, in truth, is the true essence of Christmas.