DILG chief confers meritorious award on QC firemen

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(PNA), RMA/AMD/RSM

MANILA (PNA) -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael Sueno recognized the Quezon City District fireman for risking life during a fire incident in Quezon City condominium last October 31, 2016.

The DILG secretary, together with BFP OIC Chief Supt. Bobby V. Baruelo, awarded the meritorious Medalya ng Kabayanihan and gave promotion of a next higher rank to SFO1 Florencio Azonsa during their personal visit on Thursday.

Sueno said that he lauded the fireman’s heroic act for saving six people, including a baby trapped inside the burning building.

The fireman is still confined at the Chinese General Hospital where he was rushed after experiencing difficulty in breathing and found out that he also suffered a heart attack because he lent his breathing apparatus to rescue the family.

“Bakit niya pa i-offer yong breathing apparatus niya sa anim na yon? Talagang he risked his own life. Kabayanihan talaga yon,” Sueno stressed.

“That is why we are awarding him the Medalya ng Kabayanihan, a meritorious award and one rank higher,” he added.

Azonsa, meanwhile, shared to Sueno the incident where he was able to give his breathing apparatus to a four-month old baby Jastine Benetiz after noticing that she was gasping for breath.

He also noticed the five relatives screaming for help namely, Lucila Laboc, 80; Evangeline Hagonilyo, 23; Michael Mendoza, 40; Josefina Sanzano, 58; and Michelle Marcol, 26, where he also shared his breathing apparatus while guiding them in the elevator.

All six occupants were very thankful after they rescued safely.

The DILG secretary also awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan to four members of the Special Reaction Unit of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) who were part of of those who put out the fire namely, SFO1 Ernesto B. Belecarpio III, SFO1 Carmelo E. Eugenio, FO3 Bill l. Astudillo, and FO2 Christopher N. Gaor.