Single mom becomes runner for PUIs in her barangay amid quarantine

A single mother is serving as a runner for Persons Under Investigation (PUI) in her barangay in Valenzuela City amid the enhanced community quarantine.

On a normal day, Pilipina Cadorna is a "Bantay Bayan" in her barangay, serving as the eyes and the ears of policemen reporting on events happening in her community.

But due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat in the country, Pilipina decided to volunteer and serve PUIs in her barangay who are not allowed to go outside their homes.

"Kasi sanay po talaga akong nasa labas kung hindi ko po iga-grab 'yun, nandito lang ako sa loob ng bahay hindi ako puwedeng lumabas. At least nakatulong po ako," she said.

Pilipina said PUIs would contact the police for the needs they have to buy. The police would then provide her with the list of items that she would need to buy.

After purchasing the goods, Pilipina would leave it on chairs outside PUI's homes.

The PUIs would then leave the payment wrapped on a plastic on the chair outside their houses which will later be taken by the police before they pass it on to Pilipina.

"Kaya safe na safe din po kami," Pilipina said.

Although she's fully geared with a face shield, gloves, mask and long sleeves, Pilipina still has fears. But she knows that no one else would be brave enough to serve the PUIs.

"Sabi ko kung hindi kami, wala rin namang mag-aano doon. Kami lang ang malakas ang loob pero 'yung takot ko, nandoon na rin po 'yung takot. Ganoon talaga kaya lang talaga kay Lord. Kailangan namin ng gabay ni Lord. Kasi para rin sa pamilya namin," she said.

Pilipina has four children to provide for on her own which is why she is extra cautious when she goes out to do her job.

"Bago po ako umakyat dito sa bahay namin, maghuhugas ako ng kamay may alcohol sa pintuan 'yan po may nilagay ako," Pilipina narrated.

One of Pilipina's children, Eric, said she's proud of her "supermom."

"Proud po talaga ako sakanya kasi po bihira lang din po sa mga tao na tumulong lalo na po kapag ganito ka-delikado 'yung mga nangyayari po sa atin ngayon," Eric said.

For Pilipina, knowing that she has helped those who are in need during this trying time is enough.

"Ang sarap sa pakiramdam kapag marami natutulungan di ko hinahangad na suklian nila ako ng kung ano man unang una yung pasalamat sayo napakasarap sa pakiramdam."

—Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/JCB, GMA News