PNP rescues teen from Cebu bridge

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday, 14 October, commended police officers who rescued a 14-year-old student from a potentially life-threatening situation at the Marcelo Fernan Bridge in Cebu.

Nartatez also directed Police Regional Office 7 to coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide counseling and other necessary assistance to the Grade 8 student and her family.

According to the PNP, the rescue began around 1 p.m. Tuesday when Police Master Sgt. Ronnie Limpangog received a call from Gerald Pedrera of the Metro Cebu CCTV Monitoring Center reporting that a minor had climbed onto the bridge's guardrail.

Personnel from the Regional Maritime Unit, led by Patrolman Eddie Anthony Corañes, immediately responded and brought the student to safety.

Police subsequently contacted her family to arrange assistance.

“The PNP mandate goes beyond peace and order and law enforcement, it also comes with genuine police service and assistance at a time when any of our kababayan needs them the most,” Nartatez said.

The police chief credited the successful intervention to the officers' quick response and coordination with local authorities.

“The quick response and action of our personnel on the ground played a key role in preventing an incident that was supposed to compromise the safety of the learner,” he said.

Nartatez stressed that the student's welfare remains a priority, with police instructed to facilitate appropriate counseling and support services for her and her parents.