A 16-year-old Boy Scout was recognized after using his emergency response training to save a drowning man at a resort in Kabacan, Cotabato.

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) said Scout Rexel Joaquin Codilla Mangliwan, corps commander of the University Laboratory School–BSP, responded on July 12 after a man was found unconscious in a swimming pool.

Mangliwan assessed that the victim was not breathing and had no pulse. Using skills he learned from the BSP Emergency Service Training Course, he immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for emergency responders.

The BSP said Mangliwan continued CPR for several minutes until the victim regained consciousness. The man was later taken to a hospital, where he recovered.

Mangliwan said he stayed calm during the emergency and focused on applying his training, knowing that every second was crucial.

The BSP praised Mangliwan’s actions, saying the incident showed the value of emergency preparedness and reflected the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.