Iloilo City honors teener for saving2 siblings from burning house

CEBU, Philippines - The Iloilo City government will award a 'young hero' for his heroism in saving his two siblings from death when their shanty in Brgy. San Rafael of Mandurriao district was razed by the fire early this month.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog had announced he will confer the award on 18-year-old Reyjie Boy Bernadas this week.

Bernadas, a graduating high school student of the City National High School, sustained second degree burns on his back after saving his siblings, aged 3 and 1, who were left inside their house when the fire broke out at around 3 p.m. last March 4.

The young hero was rushed to West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) where he was confined for almost a week of treatment.

Recently last week, Bernadas's mother Jonalyn received P5,000 in cash assistance from the city government similar to those given to 10 other fire victims in that village.  (FREEMAN)