Two Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) personnel saved a 10-year-old drowning victim at Madlum River in Barangay Sibul, San Miguel, Bulacan, on March 2.
Corporal Jestoni Dalman and Private First Class Jaypee Navales, both Scout Sniper Course candidates, were conducting a site survey for training when they noticed a crowd gathered by the river. They discovered the unconscious child, Joyree Dela Torre, who had been pulled from the water by a bystander.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Navales, who has Basic Life Support (BLS) training, immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to revive the child while waiting for medical responders.
Moments later, the Barangay Sibul Rural Health Unit and First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) Medical Dispensary arrived to provide additional aid. The child was transported by ambulance to a nearby medical facility, where doctors declared the victim in stable condition.
The heroic efforts of Dalman and Navales highlight the Marines’ commitment to public service beyond military duties. The successful rescue was a result of teamwork between concerned citizens, local health officials, and military personnel.
Authorities remind the public to practice caution in rivers and open water areas, especially for children, to prevent similar incidents.
