Soldier, Internet hero, asks what fuss is about

PICTURE provided by Cpl. Ryan Santos to Inquirer. A photo of Santos sharing his meal with three children belonging to the Yakan tribe in Isabela City, Basilan province, has gone viral. Santos doesn’t see what the fuss is about, saying he is just used to sharing what he has. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

ZAMBOANGA CITY—The soldier who became an Internet sensation after a photo of him sharing his meal with three street children in Isabela City, Basilan province turned into a social media hit is still in disbelief that what he did is being considered extraordinary.

“I didn’t know I have made so many people happy and inspired. What I am doing is part of my upbringing,” said Army Cpl. Ryan Santos.

“I was taught to share whatever I have. Whether it’s many or meager, share it, divide it equally and eat together,” said Santos, who is deployed to Basilan but hails from Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija province.

The photo of Santos sharing his meal with three boys, who are members of the Yakan tribe, near a fast food joint in Isabela City was taken by radio reporter Karl Marlon Ignacio and has gone viral in the Internet.

Way of life

“I am used to sharing what I have. Be it a child or an old man. I don’t ever bother with their color or faith, for as long as I have and they are hungry, I share,” he said.

Ignacio posted the photo on his Facebook page under the name Kilo India and has since generated 1,700 likes, more than 200 comments and nearly 500 shares. Each share generated an average of 10 to 100 comments and likes.

When the Inquirer posted the story about Santos and his selfless act (Soldier’s selfless act makes social media waves), it generated more shares and likes, reaching more than 19,200 shares and more than 400 comments, mostly positive.

The military didn’t miss the chance to boost its image through Santos’ newfound popularity.

Col. Noel Detoyato, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the military has many men like Santos.

Unseen kindness

“Every soldier we have shows their simple act of kindness every day, but not often discovered,” said Detoyato. “That of Santos was chanced upon by a radio reporter,” he said.

He cited the case of soldiers in Basilan who rescued child rebels and gave them bicycles.

“They were used as combatants and were ordered to carry big kettles. Those kids were just dreaming of having a bike. Our troops raised funds so these kids can have their bikes,” he said.

“There was no social media then, no Facebook, no Twitter and others,” Detoyato added.

Honor

Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, head of the Western Mindanao Command, said he visited Santos’ unit, the 8th Field Artillery Battalion in Isabela City, immediately after Santos’ selfless act spread in the Internet.

Before his retirement on Nov. 24, Guerrero said he would honor Santos, hoping his simple act of kindness would be contagious and viral not just among soldiers but everyone. Julie S. Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao