Young man survives bridge leap

Disappointed over his failure to find a job, a 20-year-old man jumped off  the Marcelo B. Fernan bridge and into the sea last Sunday night.

The young man who  graduated from a course in  aircraft maintenance early this year was lucky to survive the leap.

Bystanders and policemen stationed under the bridge rescued him from the Mactan Channel.

He was seen struggling in the water, waving his hands while calling for help, said Insp. Wilson Abot, chief of the Opao police station.

The man told police that he has been looking for a job on the instruction of his aunt who paid for  his schooling.

The man said he applied for jobs in several companies but failed to land one.

Frustrated, he said he thought of  taking his own life.

It was around 7 p.m. when he jumped from the bridge.

After struggling in the water, he was able to swim  toward a  bridge post where he was eventually rescued by a boat after policemen and bystanders spotted him.

Policemen were fielded in the Pajara Park  under the bridge in anticipation of crowds going there for the  long weekend and holday for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

The man was brought to a hospital in Cebu City where he is scheduled to undergo a psychological examination, said police.