10 Fearless Fighters: The heroic helping hands that fought Ondoy

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Published: Oct 1, 2009 - 8:00am

SPOT.ph turns the spotlight on the people who took time to share what they could–time, resources, talent, homes, or even lives–to help fellow Filipinos affected by the storm. Here are the heroic helping hands we've heard about, in no particular order:

1. Muelmar Magallanes
Muelmar Magallanes, an 18-year-old construction worker, was a powerful swimmer who saved 30 people from rampaging floods. He died while rescuing a baby girl who was swept away on a Styrofoam box. His body now lies at a makeshift evacuation center in Quezon City.

Magallanes, who brought his family to higher ground on Saturday, decided to go back for neighbors stranded on their rooftops. Witnesses said he saved more than 30 people from drowning. Ms. Penalosa, the mother of the baby he saved, said Magallanes was washed away by the torrent of water. His body was found on Sunday, September 27.

2. Venancio Ancheta, Jr. and four members of the Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU)
Pfc Venancio Ancheta Jr. saved 20 flood victims but could not save himself in the end as he was carried away by the flood at Brgy. Tunhac, Famy, Laguna. In the midst of rescue operations, another soldier and three members of the (CAFGU) also died: Cpl. Adriano Regua of the 59th Infantry Battalion and CAAs Erineo Olaguer, Joel Hernalin, and Florencio Dequito.

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Filter comments by:

Gang Badoy Dec 18 2009 @ 11:48pm Report Abuse

Uy - padagdag lang - going on-air during Ondoy was easy because Lambert Cruz and Steph Tan were there, too. Especially on the first night. JAM station manager, Eric Perpetua of course needs to be commended for giving his full support and nod to go on emergency broadcast. Patti Malay, Pepe Diokno, Ene Lagunzad, Karin Araneta, Jamie Hipe, Leslie Umaly, May Umaly, Buddy Zabala, Raymund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro, Mica Solmoro, Myrene Academia, Ardie (of MTV) Gabby Cantero, Mike Campillanes and a few others I may have forgotten stayed up and kept vigil on the airwaves with us as well. Thank you for recognizing their good work.
Nina Oct 17 2009 @ 01:19pm Report Abuse

This is one of the many reasons why I am proud to be Pinoy.
elsie Oct 07 2009 @ 04:34pm Report Abuse

Typhoon Ondoy would always be remembered for the loss of lives and damages to property.

But something else happened at the height of Ondoyâ€™s fury that inundated Metro Manila and nearby regions.

The tragedy that cut across social classes bred unsung heroes overnight.

This Wednesday, â€˜Probe Profilesâ€™ focuses the spotlight on Filipinos who sacrificed life and limb to save and help fellow Filipinos they do not even know. Host Cheche Lazaro scours the most battered areas in the country to look for and tell these stories of courage, heroism, and solidarity.

â€˜Probe Profilesâ€™ salutes genuine Filipino heroes on Wednesday, October 7, after â€˜Bandilaâ€™ on ABS-CBN. â€˜Probe Profilesâ€™ is replayed Fridays at 3 a.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. on the ABS-CBN News Channel.

The episodes may also be viewed for free on Probeâ€™s official website, http://www.probetv.com.

For a behind-the-scenes look, visit http://probeprofiles.multiply.com.
elsie Oct 07 2009 @ 04:31pm Report Abuse

Hi guys! Please watch our episode tonight on the unsung heroes of Ondoy. Catch it on Probe Profiles after Bandila on ABSCBN. :)
ransib Oct 04 2009 @ 11:59am Report Abuse

these people are REAL life heroes! hearing(reading :D)makes me really really proud to be a filipino! Thank God he gave them to us!
Shey Oct 03 2009 @ 05:39pm Report Abuse

Praises to all our Heroes! Would also like to add my friends from the Philippine Outpost who have been helping the clean-up mission in Provident

http://pinoy501st.com/
Ria Oct 02 2009 @ 04:00pm Report Abuse

im sorry but you've forgotten the first group of people who started broadcasting all the tweets and posts on fb. These were the ones that got the message across to those who don't have internet because they were stuck on their roofs, listening from their cellphones. It's not just Gang Bagoy but let us not forget the DJs of JAM who also sacrificed and stayed on air all through out. Djs Lambert Cruz and Steph Tan were working WITH Gang. Jam 88.3 was the only station that went on air that Saturday and all through out the week giving updates and are calling for help.
Cindy Oct 02 2009 @ 09:26am Report Abuse

As we brace ourselves on the coming super typhoon
"Pepeng", let us continue to pray and trust God to
carry us through this ordeal.

Personally, all these loss remind me the pointlessness of
of spending too much time striving to own material things
when everything can be lost in an instant.

My heart goes out to people who lost everything they have
saved in their lifetime. Most of them have to start all over.
Many don't know how to begin rebuilding their lives without
their loved ones.

It's true! Only in God are we truly safe, everything
else is false security; whether it be money, a nice house,
a dependable spouse or a good job.

God listens to prayer. He is merciful; compassionate. (Psalm 31:22.)
He does not willingly cause suffering but sometimes
it's the only way to get our attention as we become
too preoccupied with the cares in this world
Viola Oct 01 2009 @ 10:56pm Report Abuse

These people are amazing. Hindi tulad ng karamihan sa ating mga "publilc servants" na HINDI KIKILOS KUNG HINDI KIKITA (yung KITA comes in many forms..of course money, boto, deals, etc.)
monocle Oct 01 2009 @ 09:24pm Report Abuse

Brian, The difference is that unlike politicians, these guys didn't seek publicity, media found them. That's a big distinction. Second of all, politicians aren't supposed to label their donations because those donations are from other anonymous donors and bought with pork barrel funds in the first place. But these heroes don't owe anyone. Third, what is wrong if people like to celebrate heroism? Writing about heroism inspires others. Obviously there are countless others who helped--and I am sure you your part as well--and believe me, I think many people would love to know what these samaritans did too.
brian Oct 01 2009 @ 08:57pm Report Abuse

i'd like to try and say this in a nice way...but this is so unethical. what makes it different from politicians putting their name on every donations they give?
brian Oct 01 2009 @ 08:50pm Report Abuse

I don't like name games like this. Everyone has done their share, be it big or small, we all love pats in the back but we don't need to plaster signature on every work we do, most especially, after all, when it is humanitarian obligation. Only God knows who you are.
LynN Oct 01 2009 @ 07:23pm Report Abuse

To all who care to reach Muelmar's family..

His body lies at a basketball court located at the Brgy. Bagong Silangan, near Payatas (on the way). I was able to meet his mom & family.
(For more on the story pls click this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2034390&id=1008025606&l=9a1b912930

Unfortunately I failed to get any contact numbers from the family (I doubt they have a cellphone)...
but I know where they are located as of right now.
mryjane Oct 01 2009 @ 04:05pm Report Abuse

Hands down to these Amazing heroes!
jama ramos Oct 01 2009 @ 02:30pm Report Abuse

there are a lot of heroes that stood up during this time of despair... whether we recognize them or not, deep inside them they know who they are... thank God for making them His instruments!
Enderun Community Drive Oct 01 2009 @ 02:20pm Report Abuse

Thank you so much for all the support! We are happy to extend our help to the victims of Ondoy!
Millette Maricon Oct 01 2009 @ 01:07pm Report Abuse

A special mention goes out to Divine Lee and Jenni Epperson

â€œNobody, nobody, but chuâ€ can make things happen! http://bit.ly/13wwYm

Payatas adventure http://tinyurl.com/yc2qun2
Millette Maricon Oct 01 2009 @ 01:05pm Report Abuse

A special mention goes out to the Divine Lee, Jenni Epperson team.

"Nobody, nobody, but chu" can make things happen! http://bit.ly/13wwYm

http://tinyurl.com/yc2qun2
G1000 Oct 01 2009 @ 12:26pm Report Abuse

at last an article that has relevance!
kudos to these brave people. mabuhay kayo!
Dedu Oct 01 2009 @ 12:11pm Report Abuse

I believed all Filipinos are heroes in our own little way.

A big salute to all who are selfless and who faced all odds to save/give comfort to others.

It saddens me that the cost of saving lives will be charged back.
rybaxs Oct 01 2009 @ 10:56am Report Abuse

Muelmar did is over his limits and more than adrenaline rush. His Virtue always reveal even to the last of his might.

I learned a lesson from Muelmar that don't save lives like just giving your best shot or just trying but saving lives on whatever it takes that can be done not just on calamities, but also on daily lives. Am proud of u Muelmar. Thank you... God bless your family..
toby Oct 01 2009 @ 10:11am Report Abuse

especially judge Ralph...gave justice to the title "Hon." Saludo ako, sir!
Crabbypatty Oct 01 2009 @ 10:11am Report Abuse

Yes, I'd like to help out poor Muelmar's family. It would be great if someone could post details of how to donate money to his parents or other surviving relatives.
Candy Oct 01 2009 @ 10:03am Report Abuse

we should be proud of these heroes!
red_rabbit Oct 01 2009 @ 09:57am Report Abuse

hi, lisacheng.

The best way siguro would be to contact abs-cbn or gma network. You could also check inq's website.

mabuhay ka, muelmar.
lisacheng Oct 01 2009 @ 09:05am Report Abuse

good article spot! How do we give aid to the first two heros? Can you find out?
jam Oct 01 2009 @ 08:28am Report Abuse

these people are amazing!

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