AFP chief fetes troopers for life-saving efforts during 'Yolanda'

Awarded with the Bronze Cross Medal are Capts. Aristotle Cuaton and Julius Pablo for acts of heroism involving risk of life in the conduct of disaster rescue operations during the height of "Yolanda".

3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Major Ray Tiongson said that the two officers were in the area even before the onslaught of the super typhoon.

He added that Cuaton and Pablo are members of the 3rd Infantry Division disaster response units tasked to oversee the government's forced evacuation programs.

In Barangays Navitas, Albasa and Badio in Numancia town, Aklan, Cuaton together with his men evacuated initially around 2,536 residents in the morning of November 8.

Though some people would never leave their houses and properties, Cuaton, upon returning in the area, managed to convince another 898 residents especially the old, women and children since it was very dangerous to stay in their place near the coast.

Noontime of November 8, "Yolanda," with its destructive strength, devastated houses and structures aside from toppling trees and electrical posts that posed clear and present danger to the lives of the evacuees.

There are several times that they need to be transferred to a safer area due to flooding and falling debris. With confidence and determination, Cuaton effectively moved them to a safer area until Yolanda left.

About an hour after the storm, Cuaton was informed that some indigenous people (IP) in Barangay Laguinbawa, Numancia town, Aklan need to be evacuated due to flash flood.

Cuaton was able to rescue 42 IPs from that very dangerous situation.

Meanwhile, Pablo also faced danger and risked his life when his team evacuated 2,875 residents of Barangay Laserna in Kalibo, Aklan.

Initially, the evacuees were placed at the ABL Sports Complex in Kalibo, Aklan.

With the killing strength of "Yolanda", Pablo took the initiative to transfer the evacuees to NorthwesternVisayanCollegewhich is a more secure area, and stayed there until the storm passed.

Bautista personally awarded the medal to the two officers assisted by 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad.

“We also acknowledge the efforts of the local government units of Aklan for working hand-in-hand with us before, during and after the calamity. In the spirit of Bayanihan, let us work together and continue to extend our hands in helping the people affected by the tragedy,” Baladad said.