Cop’s act of kindness goes viral online

CEBU, Philippines - A video of a police officer in Sogod town, northern Cebu treating a wounded detainee has gone viral in social media.

A certain Keith Monsanto uploaded on Facebook last Wednesday a video showing Senior Police Officer 4 Vincent Aguanta cleaning the wound of John Robert Mauro, 18, a suspect of a vehicular accident involving a teacher last May 15.

"Naabtan nako ning usa ka polis sa Sogod Police Station nga nag-atiman sa usa ka biktima sa disgrasya," Monsanto said in his post.

He also lauded the commendable act of Aguanta, adding that every police officer should emulate him.

As of press time, the video already gained 367, 670 views, 3,009 shares, 1,900 likes and 255 comments.

Aguanta told The FREEMAN that he did not expect the video to go viral, saying such act of kindness is just part of their daily routine in the station.  He said they maintain a medical kit regularly in case of emergency.

“Wa ko magdahom nga mo-viral to akong video. Wa man gani ko kahibawo nga gi-video-han ko. Normal ra man na sa amo,” Aguanta said.

 “Nagdugo man gud ni iyang samad maong akong gi-dressingan, nataymingan lang sad nga ako ang duty ato nga polis unya naa’y nibisita nga sibilyan ug gi-video-han ko. Pero og kinsa man ang on duty ato kay mao sad ang buhaton,” he added.

Police Inspector Danilo Santillan, the town police chief, said he is thankful that their efforts had been recognized by the public after Aguanta has earned praises from the netizens.

“Acutally, naka-boost sa morale namong mga polis ang viral video. Bisan pa man og sige na namo nga ginabuhat, nalipay na lang pud mi kay nakita nila ang among maayong buhat,” he said.

He clarified, though, that it was not the only time Sogod police personnel did random acts of “goodness.” Some of these acts are posted on their official social media accounts to inspire others.

In April this year, the Cebu Provincial Police Office launched “Random Acts of Kindness” program that aims to encourage policemen to do good deeds on a daily basis.

Policemen are required to jot down at least three good deeds in their notebooks, which will be then submitted to station commanders and office head at the end of the week for review.

Three officers from each of the police stations and offices with the best entries will be given recognition by the provincial headquarters during the flag raising ceremony every Monday. — Ermida Q. Moradas and Kient Lesley B. Canoy (FREEMAN)