Police and volunteers rescued a man who fell about seven meters from a roadside retaining wall in Barangay Bontoc Ili, Bontoc, Mountain Province, on June 25.
The victim had reportedly been separated from his companions while walking along the Lanao Diversion Road. During the search, he was found lying near the riverbank after falling from the roadside.
A call to the Bontoc Municipal Police Station triggered the rescue operation.
The rescue team was led by PMAJ Robert B. Sagandoy, chief of police of the Bontoc MPS, together with PSMS Rogelio Q. Laca Jr., PSMS Felix K. Pangod Jr., PCpl Dexter John Kent D. Assud, and PCpl Franklin Q. Ballakis.
With the help of local volunteers, the team navigated the steep and dark area to reach the victim, provide first aid, and safely bring him back to the road.
The victim was later taken to Bontoc General Hospital for medical treatment.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the responding officers and residents who helped in the rescue.
“Our badge represents not only authority but also compassion. Ang bawat buhay na aming naililigtas ay nagpapatibay sa aming panata na maglingkod sa bawat Pilipino nang may malasakit at dedikasyon,” Nartatez said.
He said the incident showed the importance of coordination between police and the community during emergencies.
“When police and the community work as one, lives are protected and hope is restored,” he said.
The PNP said it would continue strengthening its search-and-rescue and emergency response capabilities to better respond to incidents that require immediate public assistance.