The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) has bestowed high honors upon police officers and civilians for their courageous actions during a deadly flash flood that struck Liloan, Cebu, last November. The ceremony recognized their life-saving efforts during the disaster triggered by Bagyong Tino.
Heroes Recognized for Bravery
In a ceremony led by Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the Medalya ng Kadakul-an (Medal of Excellence) was awarded to key personnel. The awardees included Lt. Col. Dindo Alaras, the chief of the Liloan Police Station, and two rookie police officers still undergoing field training: Patrolman Joshua Bustamante, a native of Dalaguete, and Patrolman Ral Estrella.
Additionally, three civilians who played a crucial role in the rescue operations in Barangay Cotcot received Certificates of Recognition. They are Francis Narvassa, the driver of a wing van, and his helpers, Ric Vincent Arañez and Joel Allarce. Notably, Narvassa and Arañez reportedly lost their jobs after their employer discovered they used the company wing van to rescue six individuals amidst the rising floodwaters.
A Patrolman's Harrowing Rescue Tale
Patrolman Joshua Bustamante shared the intense details of his rescue mission, describing it as a profound source of pride. He recounted rushing to aid a family of four trapped inside their home in Barangay Cotcot as water levels surged dangerously.
"The water was rising so fast it was already reaching our necks," Bustamante explained, emphasizing the urgency to move people to safer ground. Without hesitation, he swam to the house where a family, including two children, had climbed onto the roof for survival.
Bustamante entered the submerged home by breaking a window and then helped carry the residents out, assisting them in reaching the relative safety of the roof. His swift actions were instrumental in preventing further tragedy.
Wider Circle of Awardees and Support
The list of medal recipients extended beyond the immediate Liloan responders. Also honored were Patrolman Niño Divinagracia, Captain Wilmer Castillo (chief of the Talamban police station), Executive Master Sergeant Fernando Tanquino, and Staff Sergeant Aldrin Matin-ao.
Beyond the medals, General Maranan also provided the awardees with financial assistance, although the specific amount was not disclosed to the public. The ceremony underscored the community spirit and professional dedication displayed during the natural disaster that occurred on November 4, 2025.
The flash floods, a direct result of Bagyong Tino, caused significant loss of life and property in Liloan. The recognition event served to highlight that in times of crisis, heroism can come from both uniformed personnel and ordinary citizens willing to risk their own safety for others.
