Ambulance driver shot in Quezon determined to return to duty after recovery

The ambulance driver who was shot in the hand by a resident in Candelaria, Quezon plans to resume his frontliner duties once his injuries heal.

The driver, identified as Sofronio "Cefring" Ramilo, said he almost lost a finger but is on currently on his way to recovery.

In an episode of "Frontliners: A Brigada Special Online Series,” Ramilo recalled how his shooter pulled out a gun after insisting that the ambulance should not be allowed to enter the subdivision because it is being used to transport patients infected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-2019).

"Tinamaan nga po niya ang kamay ko, kanang kamay. Ang pagkakatingin po niya sa aking ambulansiya ay sinasakyan ko po daw itong COVID-19," Ramilo said.

However, he is still determined to get back on the ambulance once he gets better despite his life-threatening experience.

“Habang ako ay ambulance driver at habang kaya ko po ay gagampanan ko po ‘yung aking mga tungkulin sa mga pasyente at, kung ako ay kailangan nilang tawagan, ako po ay reresponde po agad sa kanila," he said.

According to the report, Ramilo's attacker is facing charges for physical injury.

His employer, Peter Paul Medical Center of Candelaria, Inc. (PPMCCI), has also condemned the "harrassment" and "discrimination" directed at its ambulance driver.

Ramilo said he no longer fears for himself, but is saddened by the incident.

"Ako po ay hindi na po natatakot at gawa ng ito naman pong akin ay pagtulong , hindi ko na po naiisip yung pagod, naiisip ko po ay para sa akin," he said.

But he added, "Nakakaiyak nga maam ‘yung nangyari. Ako naman ay natulong lang, syempre ‘yun po ang trabaho ko, ginagampanan ko lang po ‘yun."

Ramilo’s son Reymon, who took over for his father after the incident, said he also experienced the same kind of hostility.

"Mahirap din po, kasi kapag nakikita po nilang pumapasok ‘yung ambulansya ang tingin po sa amin ay kumbaga may virus na pero hindi po nila naiintindihan ‘yung hirap na pinagdadaanan po namin," Reymon said.

According to the PPMCCI, the shooting incident occurred last April 3, while Ramilo was having his dinner in the subdivision at 8:45 p.m.

—Margaret Claire Layug/JCB, GMA News