FIVE courageous men who helped save the lives of two children trapped under the wrecked shanties due to the collapse of the adobe wall in Sitio Libis, Barangay Gen T. de Leon recently were honored by the local government during the opening of 143^rd Birth Anniversary of Dr. Pio Valenzuela held at the Triumvirate Monument in Valenzuela City Hall Grounds.

Ronald Regacho, Johnny Garcia and Julio Donaire, residents of Barangay Ugong, and PO2 Ge-Ar T. Cagaoan and P/SR Insp Jovencio Urbien Jr., city police officers, were earlier called forth by Mayor WIN Gatchalian to personally thank them for their heroism and bravery in saving the lives of siblings Rodel Pugoy Jr. and Rhiyer Pugoy.

Garcia recounts in an interview that they initially heard a screaming woman rushing to their direction begging for help.  Regacho, Garcia and Donaire immediately ran to the commotion site and heard the loud cries of children who were buried under the rubble of collapsed adobe wall on Gen. T. De Leon Road near the boundary of Barangay (village) Ugong around 10:10 a.m. of July 3, 2012

It was through the sense of urgency of local policemen, Senior Inpector Urbien which allowed PO2 Cagaoan, a Search and Rescue (SAR) member, to respond immediately to the calamity scene. PO2 Cagaoan led the rescue operation by giving specific instructions to the volunteers on how to save the trapped victims. He also prevented the onlookers from getting into the danger zone to avoid further casualties or impede the operation.  Regacho and Garcia were the ones who recovered the children, while Donaire held the fallen roof from blocking the passage way of the rescuers.

Mayor WIN wanted the awarding ceremony for the modern-day heroes to become more meaningful. Timely enough for the birth anniversary celebration of the city’s local hero, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, the awardees were invited to grace the said occasion.

“We have always wanted to recognize people who are able profess to genuine concern of others even during life-threatening situations. Their act of heroism somehow gave us hope that “bayanihan” is still alive in our culture. They are great role models who shared Dr. Pio Valenzuela’s virtue of bravery,” Mayor WIN said.

To honor their valor, they were given plaques of recognition and monetary gifts as token of appreciation.