A warrior trooper offered the ultimate sacrifice while saving drowning kids in Eastern Samar.
Reports reaching the office of Philippine Army Commanding General LtGen. Roy Galido said a former First Sergeant of Delta Company of the 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion died in the line of duty at Barangay Locsoon, Borongan City, Eastern Samar while saving drowning kids.
Technical Sergeant Samuel M. Garbo was reportedly with his friends on a rest and recreation at Rosamar Resort, Borongan City when a tragic incident happened.
Two kids in their early teens, were saved from drowning by TSg Garbo, but caused the latter’s life.
Unmindful of the danger he may face and his personal safety, the late TSg Garbo, with all his courage and the heart of being a true warrior soldier, never had the second thought to risk his own life and saved the drowning kids.
According to witnesses, while TSg Garbo was having some refreshment in the cool waters of the ocean, he saw two young kids in their teens being swayed by the big waves. Without hesitation, TSg Garbo wasted no time in reaching for the hands of the two kids and pushed them near the shore for safety, Galido said.
“Successfully, he was able to bring them to the safest portion of the beach. But while he was about to recover from the waves that pushed him on and off the shore, he passed out due to tiredness in swimming against the current of the big waves,” he added.
TSg Garbo was not able to reach the safe area of the beach/ocean and was only recovered when the rescue team arrived. First aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was applied to him and hurriedly was brought to the nearest hospital for proper treatment. He was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending doctors of the provincial hospital of Eastern Samar.
Upon knowing the tragedy that caused the life of TSg Garbo, the two teenage kids, Kate Bernadette Batula, 13 and Keisha Marie Batula, nine, who were both saved from drowning gave their heartfelt thanks for the heroism displayed by TSg Garbo for saving their lives.
“He will be remembered as forever hero, as a proud member of the Philippine Army”, Kate and Keisha said.
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph D Bugaoan, acting Commanding Officer of 78th IB, assured the bereaved families of TSgt Garbo that they will receive the necessary financial assistance, claims and support needed for the burial of one of the members of the Warrior Battalion family.
“The sacrifices and heroism of TSgt Garbo will always be remembered. Let his bravery in saving lives and risking his own life be an inspiring act to our soldiers who will live on to continue the legacy of being a one and true Warrior”, LtCol. Bugaoan said.
