In a heroic rescue straight out of the movies, a group of firemen managed to save a mom and her week old newborn from a fire at the Franchesca Tower condominium in Quezon City last October 31, Monday.
After firemen secured a steel plank in between the condo and its neighboring building and safety harness around the mom, she managed to cross to the other building several floors up, while carrying her newborn in her arms.
screengrab: 24 Oras
According to a report by 24 Oras, the firemen were honored with medals for their amazing work.
The Medalya ng Katapangan (Medal of Bravery) was awarded to FO2 Florencio Asonza who bravely saved several people and gave up his breathing apparatus so a one-year-old boy could be spared from inhaling smoke.
screengrab: 24 Oras
The selfless fireman suffered carbon monoxide poisioning and doctors at the Chinese General Hospital, where he’s now being treated, have diagnosed him with heart damage.
Aside from Asonza, five other firemen received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for rescuing the mother and her newborn; they are SFO3 Bernardo Soriano, SFO1 Ernesto Belecario, FO1 Christopher Gaor, FO3 Bill Astudillo, and SF01 Carmelo Eugenio.
In an interview with GMA’s 24 Oras, David and Josie Sansano, whose families were saved from the fire, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Asonza.
screengrab: 24 Oras
“Thank you kasi ang family ko na-save niya,” said Josie, almost in tears.
Meanwhile, the homeowners of the condominium plan to pool their resources together in order to help the heroic fireman.
Watch the amazing rescue unfold in this short clip below.
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