Four people, including a minor, escaped death from drowning in Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon, thanks to the quick response of a firefighter from Daraga, Albay.

A family gathered for a day at the beach but what was supposed to be a happy time took a different turn when the sea became rough, dragging four of the family members to the deeper portion of the sea. 

Without hesitation, SFO1 Sanjoe Amaranto, Chief of Emergency Medical Services of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Daraga, Albay, who happened to be at the beach dove into the water. 

Three of the four were brought back to shore first with the help of other people but rescuing the fourth, a young girl, was more challenging after she was dragged deeper into the water. 

Amaranto recounted having to fight against strong currents to reach her. 

"Hindi ko kaagad hinawakan sa harapan kasi alam ko kung yayakapin ako nito… sabi ko, lulubog kami parehas, ang lakas pa naman ng vacuum sa ilalim… kaya ang style ko, pupunta doon sa gilid dun ko siya sa likod… ang plano ko hahawakan ko ang buhok niya,” Amaranto said.

Amaranto brought the girl back to shore where he also revived her. 

Finsp Amor Laguilles from BFP-Daraga commended Amaranto’s bravery.

As of this writing, the four survivors are recovering.

“Nagrerekober na sila pero meron parin talaga sila [na trauma], just like last night, may mga sleepless nights sila, yung tipong natutulog sila, bigla nalang nila naaalala or napapanaginipan yung nangyari,” Elvie Castillo, a relative of the rescued family members, said.

The girl sent her heartfelt thanks to Amaranto for risking his life to save hers.