MANILA, Philippines — An old woman was rescued on Wednesday after she was found abandoned under the MacArthur bridge in Manila, the city government said Thursday.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) under its director Re Fugoso immediately rescued Fulgencia Tan after a social media post showed the senior citizen’s state.
“Pinasasalamatan po natin si Manila Department of Social Welfare Director Re Fugoso at ang MDSW Rescue Team dahil sa maagap nilang pag-rescue kay Lola Fulgencia Tan na nakita ng isang netizen sa ilalim ng MacArthur Bridge,” the mayor wrote in a Facebook post.
(We would like to acknowledge the Manila Department of Social Welfare Director Re Fugoso and the MDSW Rescue Team for the immediate rescue of Lola Fulgencia Tan who was seen by a netizen near the MacArthur Bridge.)
Based on the netizen’s post, Tan was abandoned under the bridge by a tricycle driver. She was spotted lying on a piece of cardboard while propping her head on the wall.
Tan already underwent medical check-up and is now under the care of MDSW, Moreno noted.
In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Fugoso said Tan is believed to be between 70 and 75 years old.
Fugoso said Tan is staying at the department’s temporary shelter in Canonigo Court at Paco, Manila as the MDSW is still trying to locate her family.