From Community Delinquent to Unlikely Hero
In the face of disaster, true character emerges. This was certainly the case for 24-year-old Joshua Sandal, who transformed from self-described delinquent to community hero when Typhoon Tino struck Jubay, Liloan, on November 4, 2025. As floodwaters surged to terrifying depths of 14 feet, filled with dangerous debris, Sandal embarked on a rescue mission that would save a dozen lives and redefine his own.
Battling the Raging Currents
Armed with little more than a life vest and a CCTV cable to combat the powerful currents, Sandal made multiple trips through the perilous waters. The urgency of his mission became starkly clear when he encountered the most vulnerable. "When I saw the elderly and the infant, that’s when urgency hit me," Sandal recalled on November 15. Despite his parents' attempts to stop him, his determination was unwavering, driven by the immediate need to help others.
His heroic efforts resulted in the rescue of 12 people, including an 8-month-old infant. But his compassion extended beyond the living. In a particularly harrowing act, Sandal also recovered and secured four bodies, including that of a child, to light posts to prevent them from being carried away until authorities could arrive. He even rescued a man who had been swept all the way from Compostela.
Recognition and a New Path Forward
The emotional toll of the experience has been significant. "I struggle to sleep when I remember what happened," Sandal admitted, describing the traumatic scenes he witnessed. However, his bravery has not gone unnoticed. Online communities have rallied behind him, calling for support, training, and opportunities, proving that heroism can blossom from any background.
On November 15, this public admiration translated into tangible change. Barangay Mabolo in Cebu City honored Sandal with a scholarship and a monthly allowance. He has now joined the Safeguard Mabolo Response Team (Smart), earning at least P12,000 per month while he continues his studies. This new role allows him to work towards his dream of becoming a seafarer while serving his community as a certified responder.
Sandal's story is part of a broader narrative of courage emerging from the typhoon. Earlier in the same week, another young hero, Jayboy Magdadaro, was recognized for saving approximately 50 people in his own town of Liloan during the same calamity. Together, their actions serve as a powerful testament to the Filipino spirit, reminding us that heroism is defined not by one's past, but by the courage and kindness one shows when faced with overwhelming danger.
