Charles Teves
The Cebu City’s police force authorities and a city councilor aim to give recognition to Angyl Faith Ababat, a nursing student who hails from Leyte, for her bravery in rescuing a vendor who got subjected to a neck-slashing attack.
On January 30th, Bernadeta Zamora, a vendor aged 54, was working in downtown Cebu City when she got attacked by her live-in partner, who inflicted a neck wound before running away. Initially uncertain, Ababat came to the vendor’s aid and assisted until the victim got rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.
“Other pre-med and med students [in the area] did not respond, and when I saw ‘Nanay’ was about to collapse, I thought to myself, ‘If no one would help, then who will?’ That was why I immediately responded,” Ababat partially said in Cebuano.
Zamora’s live-in partner, who was the suspect in the neck-slashing incident, was apprehended by the police, charged with frustrated murder, and is now facing legal consequences.
The vendor, on the other hand, is recovering well in the hospital. On February 1, Councilor Rey Gealon submitted a resolution to the Cebu City council to acknowledge and commend the heroic actions of Ababat.
“Such heroic act by Ms. Ababat is worthy of emulation and praise as it restores Cebuanos’ faith in humanity. The kind deed and genuity that Ms. Ababat showed to the female vendor is, indeed, commendable.”
The CCPO, led by Director Col. Ireneo Dalogdog, has stated their intention to recognize Ababat by presenting her with a plaque of appreciation at the CCPO’s flag-raising ceremony on February 6th, which falls on the first Monday of the month.
“She acted like a good public servant who, in time of trouble, especially when facing someone who was on the verge of death, never thought twice about helping. That’s a Filipino habit that we appreciate because Filipinos are helpful by nature,” Dalogdog said in Cebuano.
Ababat initially had doubts about her chosen career path as a nurse. She confessed that nursing was not her initial preference for a profession. However, the incident reinforced her belief that she made the right decision in pursuing a career in nursing.
“I’m actually a bit of surprised and happy because I did not expect that my simple act of kindness may save a life. Hearing praises from my parents, loved ones and the school itself boosted my confidence that I had picked the right course,” she said.
Meanwhile, the University of Cebu has pledged to cover the expenses for Angyl Faith Ababat’s licensing exam and international certification exam after she completes her studies in two years.
