Cop who saved kids from hostage-taker in Pampanga awarded for courage

PO2 Eduardo Santiago saved two children in a hostage-taking in Pampanga on May 31, 2011 Monday.CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The policeman who saved two children from a hostage-taker on a bus in Pampanga was awarded for his courage and for his commitment “beyond the call of duty,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said Wednesday in a statement.
Police Officer 2 (PO2) Eduardo Santiago was given the “Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting” and “Medalya ng Kadakilaan” by PNP chief Police Director General Raul Bacalzo, Cruz said.

Santiago, who was off duty, was on board the bus that Pedro Brine commandeered last May 31. Without disclosing his identity, Santiago volunteered to drive the bus where Brine had taken hostage two children. But Brine stabbed Santiago who managed to shoot and kill the hostage-taker and then drove the passengers to safety in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

“The act of PO2 Santiago even beyond the call of duty is worthy of emulation. He shows exemplary courage and dedication to his sworn duty as a policeman. He didn’t hesitate to risk his own life to save the passengers of the bus,” PRO-3 regional director, Police Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao also said.

Danica Hermogenes