Hero drowns after saving dozens

28 Sep 2009, 2:35 pm   -   Source: AFP
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Ab 18-year-old has drowned after saving more than 30 people from rampaging floodwater in the Philippines. 

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Muelmar Magallanes braved rampaging floods to save more than 30 people, but ended up sacrificing his life in a last trip to rescue a baby girl who was being swept away on a styrofoam box.
  
Family members and people who Magallenes saved hailed the 18-year-old construction worker a hero today, as his body lay in a coffin at a makeshift evacuation centre near their destroyed Manila riverside village.
  
"I am going to be forever grateful to Muelmar. He gave his life for my baby. I will never forget his sacrifice," said Menchie Penalosa, the mother of the six-month-old girl whom he carried to safety before being swept away himself.
  
Magallanes was at home on Saturday with his family when tropical storm Ketsana unleashed the heaviest rains in more than 40 years on the Philippine capital and surrounding areas.
  
At first the family, long used to heavy rains, paid little attention to the storm.

Magallanes helped trapped neighbours
  
But Magallanes and his father quickly decided to evacuate the family once they realised the river 800 metres (2,600 feet) away had burst its banks.
  
With the help of an older brother, Magallanes tied a string around his waist and attached it one-by-one to his three younger siblings, whom he took to higher ground. Then he came back for his parents.
  
But Magallanes, a strong swimmer, decided to go back for neighbours trapped on rooftops.
  
He ended up making many trips, and eventually saved more than 30 people from drowning, witnesses and survivors said.

Last rescue too much for Magallanes
  
Tired and shivering, Magallanes was back on higher ground with his family when he heard Penalosa screaming as she and her baby were being swept away on the polystyrene box they were using in an attempt to cross the swift currents.
  
He dived back in after the mother and daughter, who were already a few metres away and bobbing precariously among the debris floating on the brown water.
  
"I didn't know that the current was so strong. In an instant, I was under water. We were going to die," said Penalosa, her eyes welling with tears and voice choking with emotion.
  
"Then this man came from nowhere and grabbed us. He took us to where the other neighbours were, and then he was gone," Penalosa said.
  
Penalosa and other witnesses said an exhausted Magallanes was simply washed away amid the torrent of water.

Death toll expected to rise
  
Neighbours found his body on Sunday, along with 28 others who perished amid Manila's epic flooding. The official death toll stands at 86 but that excludes those recovered in Magallanes' village, called Bagong Silangan.
  
Standing next to his coffin, Magallanes' parents paid tribute to their son.
  
"He always had a good heart," said his father, Samuel.
  
"We had already been saved. But he decided to go back one last time for the girl."
  
His mother, Maria Luz, wept as she described her son as incredibly brave.
  
"He saved so many people, but ended up not being able to save himself."

 

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Your Comments

well done good and faithful servant

jgarcia - from los angeles, 3 years ago

muelmar magallanes, saludo ako sa iyo kabayan, isa kang tunay na bayani. you may not get any hero's welcome here on earth or any posthumous award but since your finally home with the LORD that's where you get your reward, a hero's welcome up there, and the LORD will say "well done good and faithful servant".

I am moved.

Arwen - from New York, 3 years ago

In a time when most people instinctively put themselves above all else, here comes Muelmar. In life, he may have been looked down by others who are far richer than he was. But with what he had done, his rewards in heaven far outweigh our material things. The heart of this young man is the hope of humanity. We must all remember his selfless acts, his sacrifice, even after the Philippines has recovered. I pray that politicians in the Philippines know of him and be moved by him.

He wasnt meant to die but is truly worthy of eternal life.

Justin - from SYD, 3 years ago

Jesus the Messiah and greatest saviour who laid down his life to save all mankind from eternal destruction said "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" John15:13 and again John 15:12 "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."
This young man wheather realising it or not acted in pure selflessness and pure love, truly worthy and great honour glory and majesty.
I believe Jesus stood to receive him. Amen.

salutes from malaysia

kevin - from miri, 3 years ago

The world salutes this humble 18-year old construction worker who died so others may live. A rare hero in a world which needs many.

he sacrifice he's life, so others may LIVE

Freshflowers4u2 - from Australia, 3 years ago

MUELMAR sacrifice's his life so others may live!!! A man with a big heart!!! MUELMAR'S heart was so big, that he gaved his heart to those that need's it. A true sign of bravery. A TRUE HERO!!! R.I.P now my Filfino brother!!! WE thank you, for the greatest example that you have shown us all. And that example is called "LOVE". WE THE PHLIPPINES, SALLUTE AND THANK YOU "MUELMAR".

RIP

Rona - from Sunshine Coast, 3 years ago

May this beautiful human being RIP. What a role model for Youth all over the world.

What a legend! Muelmar! Muelmar!

Ben - from Sydey, 3 years ago

What a legend! This story should be famous the world over. When anyone does anything selfless they should be doing a "Muelmar".

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