Pregnant woman gives birth inside fire station van in La Union

A woman delivered her baby safely inside a Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) service van in Sto. Tomas, La Union, after going into labor while on the way to the hospital last Sunday, August 24, 2025.

The mother, identified as Jonabel Marcelo from Barangay Casilagan, sought help from the Sto. Tomas Fire Station when she felt she was about to give birth.

Two firefighters, who are both trained nurses, responded and assisted her inside their L300 service vehicle.

Before they could reach the hospital, Jonabel gave birth inside the van. With the firefighters' help, she delivered a healthy baby boy, whom she named Eugie Cairo.

"Ako po ay saludo sa kanila na sila ang nag-alalay at tumulong para hanggang makarating ako sa hospital hanggang makapanganak na ako sa sasakyan," Jonabel said.

Sto. Tomas Fire Station Deputy Marshal SFO3 Luis Laroco said the incident reflects the wider role of firefighters in the community.

"Nakakagaan ng pakiramdam na ganun ang impression ng mga tao, lalong-lalo na dito sa bayan ng Santo Tomas. Ibig sabihin po na 'yung mga ginagawa nating campaign para mai-disseminate 'yung mga bagay na hindi lang para sa sunog kundi maging sa ibang emergencies ay kaya nating i-address," he said.

He added that every shift has a nurse on standby to assist in accidents or medical emergencies.

"Every shift po kasi ay mayroon tayong nakahanda na nurse na umaalalay sa mga victim ng vehicular accident at maging sa mga medical assistance po," Laroco said.

The BFP assured the public of its continued commitment to serve not only during fire incidents but also in other emergencies that require immediate response. — GMA Regional TV