President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended members of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) for rescuing a 10-year-old child from drowning in the Madlum River in Bulacan last March, calling their act a true display of heroism, duty, and compassion.

President Marcos hailed Corporal Jestoni Dalman and Private First Class Jaypee Navales, both Scout Sniper Candidates, while on their way conducting a site survey for a training activity, to revive a 10-year-old child from drowning.

“Isa itong patunay sa ating lahat na ang tunay na bayani ay kumikilos hindi lang dahil kinakailangan, kundi dahil din sa katapatan sa tungkulin at sa pagmamahal sa kapwa,” the President said.

In a Facebook post, the PMC said two personnel saw a crowd and found the child unresponsive after being pulled from the river by a bystander. PFC Navales, trained in Basic Life Support, quickly performed CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until medical help arrived.

The swift response of local health units and the First Scout Ranger Regiment later declared the child in stable condition. Their actions exemplify the Marines’ dedication to duty and public service.

President Marcos also honored Intelligence Specialist Third Class Jeff C. Villanueva as Enlisted Personnel of the Year, and Architect Sherwin T. Cornejo as Civilian Human Resource of the Year (Supervisor Category).

“Ang inyong natatanging tapang, galing, at husay ay nagbigay ng karagdagang lakas at inspirasyon sa buong Hukbong Dagat,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos congratulated the Philippine Navy on its 127th Anniversary, celebrating an enduring legacy of an institution built by the fortitude of its men and women, and whose 100-year history profoundly shaped the destiny of our nation.

“At hanggang ngayon, ipinapakita ng Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas na ang serbisyo ay hindi lang bahagi ng ating kasaysayan, bahagi rin ito ng ating kasalukuyan,” the President also said. | PND