By: Robert B. Roque, Jr.
Some people believe that angels appear in many forms at the most unexpected time. Especially when their help is needed most.
This could be true for Angeline Fernando who recently fell onto the tracks of the MRT just as the train was pulling out of the Ayala Station. The accident resulted in the loss of her arm.
The 27-year-old Charleanne Jandic, a postgraduate medical intern at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center who was also inside the station, did not waste a minute and quickly attended to the bleeding victim.
She was assisted by the rookie policemen – PO2 Dan Agustin Jr. and PO1 Ramil Almano, members of the District Public Safety Battalion of the Eastern Police District (EPD).
Agustin and Almano were deployed to the Ayala Station as part of the ASEAN Summit security. After hearing the people shouting, they rushed to the scene and saw Fernando lying on the floor with Jandic by her side.
Agustin’s background as a nursing graduate of Capitol Medical Center College was extremely helpful. He and Jandic tied a belt around the arm of the 24-year-old victim to stop the excessive bleeding that could have led to her death.
Jandic and the two cops went to the Makati Medical Center where the victim was rushed and waited until she was stable. And thanks to modern science, Fernando’s arm was reattached successfully.
Still, let’s not forget the fact that if Jandic, Agustin and Almano were not there to provide the needed assistance, the victim could have died right there and then. Isn’t it amazing that they were there at the right place and right time to save Fernando’s life?
Fernando’s life was extended because of these three individuals who may not be seraphs in the true sense of the word but acted as if they were at the time the victim needed it most.
Firing Line lauds the quick thinking, expert and humanitarian actions displayed by Jandic, Agustin, and Almano.
Jandic should be recognized by the medical community for her efforts. Director-General Ronald dela Rosa, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, ought to give appropriate medals and recognition to Agustin and Almano who should be made role models for the entire police force.
As we have said time and again, not everyone in the PNP is abusive and corrupt. Some officers may be crooked but I believe majority remain dedicated to their sworn duties.
Give credit where credit is due.
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SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email [email protected] or tweet @Side_View. Read current and past issues of this column at http://www.tempo.com.ph/category/opinion/firing-line/
