Aquino honors late Ondoy hero

MANILA, Philippines –  President Aquino paid tribute Friday to the extraordinary heroism and bravery of an 18-year-old construction worker who gave up his life in order to save others at the height of tropical storm Ondoy’s onslaught in 2009.

The President gave a special recognition award to Muelmar “Toto” Magallanes “for having heroically and selflessly displayed his love for his fellowmen by saving… over 30 people from drowning.” The award was received by Magallanes’ mother, who was also given a P50,000 check from the Spirit of EDSA Foundation.

The awarding was held at the People Power Monument during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the People Power revolution Friday.

Magallanes, a resident of Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City, saved seven families and 18 children who were trapped on the roof of their houses after rains brought by Ondoy flooded his community. Because of extreme exhaustion, Magallanes could no longer fight the strong currents, and his body was found the following day, covered in thick mud.