Soldier goes after snatcher who stole money intended for medical bills

From left: Brigadier General Allan Hambala, acting commander of the 10th Infantry Division pins the bronze cross medal to Private First Class Junnel Perdido.

MANILA, Philippines — A soldier ran after a snatcher who stole P30,000 from a woman who was on her way to pay the medical bill of her daughter in Tagum City.

Private First Class Junnel Perdido pursued a snatcher who just took the wallet of a woman at Aquino Hospital, Tagum City last September 28, according to 10th Infantry Division’s (ID) statement on Monday.

Perdido chased and apprehended the snatcher in a nearby village.

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The soldier was at the same hospital with his daughter and pregnant wife for a medical check-up while on leave.

“PFC Perdido’s heroic act did not involve actual conflict but rather a life-threatening risk as he chased and apprehended the snatcher hiding in a nearby village despite the potential danger,” the 10th ID said.

Due to this act, Perdido was awarded the Bronze Cross Medal during the Monday’s flag-raising ceremony held at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Senior in Mawab, Davao De Oro on Monday.

Brigadier General Allan Hambala, Acting Commander of the 10th ID, personally pinned the medal on Perdido.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a Bronze Cross Medal is awarded to military and civilian personnel of the AFP and Armed Forces of friendly foreign nations for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. It is given to those who act heroically despite risking one’s life.

JPV