Cop injured after helping old woman cross the street

CEBU, Philippines - A Talisay City police officer was injured while helping a 72-year-old woman cross the busy street of Natalio Bacalso Avenue in Barangay Linao yesterday evening.

PO2 Jude Enemesio, 45, a resident of Sunrise Village in Barangay Pardo, Cebu City, was patrolling when he saw Flordeliz Asenero, a resident of Lower Linao, Talisay, seemingly having difficulty crossing the national road at around 7:20 in the evening.

Enemesio approached the old woman and offered his help. The old lady gladly accepted the police officer's offer, while he held her hand across the bustling street.

Enemesio signaled a Ceres bus to stop so they can pass through. While crossing, however, a speeding motorcycle driven by Oliver Bacus, 44, a resident of Barangay Tiago, Talisay, overtook the bus and accidentally hit them.

SPO4 Rogaciano Omolon, Talisay Traffic Division chief, said Bacus was travelling to Barangay Tabunok during the incident.

Enemesio and Asenero fall on the pavement. The police officer suffered a deep gash on the face which required 15 stitches while the elderly woman fractured one of her arms.

Asenero was admitted in a hospital in Cebu City and is now in good condition, according to the former's relative Dinna Pancho. Enemesio, on the other hand, was already discharged from Talisay District Hospital yesterday.

Talisay City Chief of Police Superintendent Emerson Dante and Pancho have commended the police officer's heroic act.

"Hanga ako sa ginawa niya kasi tinulungan niya ang matanda para itawid sa kalsada pero sa kasawiang palad, nasagip siya sa motor," Dante said.

The victims decided not to press any charges against the motorcycle driver. (FREEMAN)