Superheroes

While I was prohibited from reading comic books when I was little, I was aware of superheroes. They were unlike the ones in my grandson Alec’s collection, neither robots nor frightening dinosaurs from Pico, nor the ugly creature toys of Robbie. My idea of a superhero was someone in a spandex suit, cape and mask, gifted with extraordinary powers to be used in the never-ending combat between good and evil and the continuous fight for truth and justice.

The superheroes I was most impressed with were those who could fly. That they had additional special abilities, like mind control, an indestructible body and invisibility made them more awesome. Superman was "faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound… it’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s Superman!" Yes, folks! The Man of Steel was out to save the world.

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Today, I know some superheroes who are relevant to our times. They may have no X-ray vision, nor do they have elastic bodies, but they are real and perform courageous, selfless acts, like saving someone from a burning building, rescuing another from drowning in a raging river or a rebels’ attack. Others simply do well without fanfare. These people give us hope. And we rightly should give them credit even as we marvel over comic-book characters like the Man of Steel.

For example, the off-duty superhero in the person of fireman Antonio V. Villanueva, who died in a Cavite fire, was awarded the Medalya ng Kagitingan posthumously for his act of gallantry. Villanueva, though off duty, volunteered to suppress the fire. He was at the top of a fire ladder, trying to contain the flames of a burning commercial building, when a backdraft caused the sudden explosion of glass windows. He lost his balance, fell down head first on the concrete sidewalk suffering traumatic brain injury and internal hemorrhage, and died.

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Parents rarely encourage their children to become bumberos since there are other decent professions out there. Well then, who will? Aside from the perils that go with the occupation, there is the problem of overcoming antiquated equipment, low income or maybe a bad reputation based on public perception or just the actual discouragement of some disillusioned fire fighters who, beyond the call of duty during calamities and evacuation, are not recognized for their efforts.

Beyond these perceptions are real-life people bent on earning decently through the fire fighting profession. The new breed of fire fighters consists of bachelor-degree holders, and some even civil-service eligibles, who, with the right amount of attitude and skills, can easily learn from the experiences of other seasoned personnel.

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What are the fire fighters’ attitude? Brotherhood among the fire fighters. This is effortlessly nurtured since they live within the confines of the station, and have to deal with each other’s idiosyncrasies. Living in a station is akin to family members delegated with a set of of his chores through ups and downs. Alas, they are also people of different opinions and values, which results in disputes every now and then. The chief of the station more often than not acts as the father, settles everything amicably, and instills discipline and courtesy.

Fire fighters penetrate burning buildings even without the prescribed protective equipment, which they are not provided with completely in the first place. They have only their guts and faith in God to get them through.

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Why, even police officers I know successfully defended their stations in Zamboanga del Norte. Police Officer 1 (PO1)Jamaron Saaban Sandag of the PNP Special Action Force showed "conspicuous courage and gallantry at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty" and was awarded the PNP Bravery Medal. But here’s a twist. Sandag, a basic recruit graduate, was detained in jail. When the attackers took over the premises and shot the police guarding the jail, Sandag let himself free, retrieved the guns and shot his fellow Muslim raiders in the call of duty.

Sandag, along with Capt. Rannie Hachuela, resisted the pre-dawn attack on the police station by more than 150 heavily armed men. It was on May 4, 2003 when the municipality of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte was attacked by combined forces of Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Misuari breakaway group, Abu Sayyaf group and Moro National Liberation Front. Hachuela was then the commanding officer and officer-in-charge municipal police station.

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Ranie Hachuela now works at the Philippine Public Safety College System, the school which I run. He is a valuable example of bravery, and he has received a medal of valor. Thank God, he brought his M-16 armalite rifle and ammunitions to the guardhouse where he slept.

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At around 1 a.m., this Philippine National Police Academy graduate heard automatic bursts of fire believed to have originated from a Muslim populated coastal barangay.

"Though no other fire was heard again," he said, "I woke up my first sergeant and instructed him to prepare the troops and follow me. I rode in a motorcycle with PO1 Nassel Mandusih, followed by Jay Narvacan and PO1 Douglas Abad on a motorcycle ride" (They had no car at the station). An informant told them that the gunfire came from the municipal police station.

Off they went. By the flagpole of the municipal hall, they saw men in full battle gear near the police station. Thinking they were soldiers, he shouted to them, "Si Capt. Hachuela ’to! Ano ba ang problema n’yo d’yan?" The answer was a lure for him to come out of hiding. "Sir, preso n’yo nakatakas, lapit ka dito." This made Hachuela walk to the enemies’ direction when Mandusih pulled him back and said, "Sir, MILF yan, may bangas," a Tausug word meaning "balbas" or beard. After that, an exchange of fire ensued – eight PNP men fighting at the perimeter and eight more inside the station battled 150 enemies. A Muslim SAF and a Catholic PNP.

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Hachuela recounted, "While fighting, we also heard the chanting of "Allahu Akbar!" confirming our suspicions that the aggressors were Muslim rebels."

"We stood awake all night. In the morning, although we believed the enemies were withdrawing, we somehow doubted that. Then, there were more uniformed men. We thought, are we seeing new reinforcement? They were wearing full gear and uniform. As a result, we introduced ourselves as policemen (again) and bang, gun fire was the result and another encounter. Some of my men were wounded, but we fought so hard and with pride, we made the enemy withdraw," he added.

While withdrawing, the raiders abducted civilians along their way. At around 9 a.m., the Philippine Army and PNP arrived. The wounded were loaded on a Philippine Air Force helicopter to the Zamboanga City hospital.

Unfortunately, the rebels were able to burn the entire public market before their complete withdrawal. Six policemen were dead, six were wounded, six Philippine Army personnel were dead in the ambush, and eight more wounded. Thirteen rebels were dead, including Abraham Hassan, the MILF brigade operation officer of the area, and Jamil Lumiguis, a former barangay councilman. Twelve civilians were dead, 25 were wounded, while 119 were held as hostage and released later on. We recovered two M203 and one M16 rifle from the enemies. Whew! The life of a policeman is very uncertain. If it isn’t MNLF, Abu Sayyaf rebels, it’s the NPA attacking next.

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Three modern day, true-to-life heroes!

They are an inspiration with their youthful spirits. In the hearts of children and adults, a medal of valor, like that which Capt. Hachuela received, is rare. But so was the courage and patriotism of Villanueva, Sandag and Hachuela. I know bravery envisions romance and even conjures magical adventures with the angel’s intercession, but it certainly was frightening for all.

Heroes must be recognized. Let them be emulated for taking in the responsibilities of adulthood at the age of 34. Let these men light up the youth’s imagination.

"All you need is faith and trust… and a little bit of pixie dust!" Gosh, like Peter Pan said. Truly, all three are my superheroes.