The recently held APEC summit, despite being a success in itself, also brought about a lot of complaints from citizens who ended up stranded or stuck in traffic. With all the different stories floating around the internet, it’s nice to see how sometimes, these difficult situations are what bring out the goodness in people.
Stephen Tan was on his way to the airport when he got stuck along Coastal Mall as the delegates started arriving. Just as everyone else, he had to walk it out. Thing is, the airport was still far away and he did not have enough time. Thankfully, there were some kind officers willing to help. Read his story below:
“God provided “Good Samaritans” in the persons of PO1 JanHero Jimenez and FTO Romulo Sarabia Jr.!!!
I am scheduled to speak in Dumaguete Wed. but found out only Tues. morning PAL canceled my flight tomorrow due to the #APEC2015 Summit. I spent 3 hrs talking with PAL to convince them to fly me to the nearest city, which is Cebu. I had to fly out Tues. to make the conference. I braved the Manila/APEC traffic and got stuck at Coastal Mall. I waited 2+ hours for the “stop and go” system in be “go” but it never did as Heads of States flew in one after each other. I was going to miss my flight! So I decided to walk to Terminal 2 (3 km away) to catch the last flight out before the city shuts down.
As I began my walk/journey, I asked two PNP officers standing nearby how long the walk would take, to see if I would make my flight. They said it would be a long walk and I would miss my flight. Sensing my frustration and me thinking “Lord, can my day get any worse!”, FTO Sarabia and PO1 Jimenez kindly offered to let me ride on the back of Jimenez’s motorcycle, one bag in each hand. It was a sight to behold! We zoomed by all the other hundreds of walking passengers dragging their luggage. It was one of those moments I felt guilty but not really.
I told the officer I would say a special prayer of blessing for him tonight after he dropped me off without asking anything in return. These are two officers the PNP should be proud of!! If I could write them a commendation, I would. God provided angels in the form of this FTO and PO1 to aid me to make my flight. Notice the middle name of the PO1–“HERO”–the name fits in my book! It’s on to Cebu where a 5 hour land/sea journey tomorrow awaits to get to Dumaguete…”
Awesome job guys! We definitely need a lot more cops like you in this country – those willing to help without expecting anything in return! Keep it up.
What do you think of their kindness? Did you encounter any unexpected kindness from strangers recently? Do share!
