03/11/2026
THREE LIVES SAVED: COPS RESPOND TO MEDICAL EMERGENCY IN MISAMIS ORIENTAL, RESCUE TWO FROM DROWNING IN ZAMBALES
Demonstrating that police service goes beyond law enforcement, personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) helped save three lives in two separate incidents in Misamis Oriental and Zambales on November 2, 2026, providing immediate assistance to a man who suffered a medical emergency and rescuing two individuals from drowning.
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, the incidents highlight the readiness of police personnel to respond to emergencies and protect lives, whether on the streets or in coastal communities.
In Opol, Misamis Oriental, two personnel of the Opol Municipal Police Station, PMSg Karlo Fernando C. Quililan and Pat Reil O. Ebuña, were conducting foot patrol in Barangay Poblacion at around 4:20 p.m. when they noticed a man lying on the ground after reportedly collapsing from a moving motorcycle.
The officers immediately rendered assistance, with one performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while the other contacted local emergency responders for an ambulance and secured the area to protect the victim from passing vehicles. Their prompt intervention helped the man regain consciousness and show signs of recovery. They remained with him until the ambulance arrived.
In a separate incident in San Antonio, Zambales, personnel of the PNP Maritime Group (PNP MG), led by the San Antonio Maritime Law Enforcement Team of the Olongapo Maritime Police Station, Regional Maritime Unit 3, rescued two individuals who were struggling in the waters approximately 25 to 30 meters from the shoreline near the Police Assistance Desk in Barangay San Miguel at around 12:55 p.m.
After noticing the individuals calling for help, the maritime police personnel immediately launched a rescue and successfully brought both individuals to safety. They were conscious when brought ashore and were promptly turned over to medical personnel, with the assistance of barangay officials, for medical assessment and attention.
Commending the personnel involved in both incidents, PGen Nartatez emphasized that protecting lives remains an essential part of police service, regardless of the circumstances.
“Sa bawat pagkakataong may nangangailangan ng tulong, dapat handa tayong rumesponde. Whether it is a medical emergency on the road or someone struggling in the water, every second matters. I commend our personnel for recognizing the situation, taking immediate action, and helping bring these people to safety,” the Chief PNP said.
These incidents demonstrate the importance of police visibility, vigilance, and initiative in responding to situations that require immediate assistance. They also reflect the PNP's commitment to people-centered policing, where the protection of human life remains central to every police operation and community engagement.
The timely interventions are consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens the responsiveness and effectiveness of police personnel in addressing various public safety concerns. They likewise support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call for government services that are responsive to the needs of the Filipino people.
From the streets of Misamis Oriental to the coastal waters of Zambales, these acts of service reflect a PNP that is ready to protect, assist, and save lives. This is the essence of Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)