Capitol hails boy hero

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu provincial government yesterday commended an 11-year-old boy who saved his youngest sister from being swept away by a raging river during a flashflood in Lipata, Minglanilla last Sunday.

Oscar Eroyla, a Grade 2 pupil, receives a plaque, tokens, shoes, a ball, one sack of rice, and other gifts from Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. He received the award together with his parents and siblings.

Garcia said she was overwhelmed by what Oscar had done.

“It takes courage to forget about one’s owns safety,” Garcia said, referring to the boy, who despite of his age, rescued his sibling from danger.

Last April 26, the boy was swimming with his four siblings Gilbert, 8; Maricar, 7; Marichu, 6; and Chara Mae, 2, and their 5-year-old cousin Myko Hernani at Sandayong Ri-ver when the water swelled following a downpour. — Johanna T. Natavio/LPM (THE FREEMAN)