BRAVERY. P02 Santiago (right) explains to Mayor Pamintuan (center) and Gov. Pineda (2nd from left) how he managed to stop the hostage-taking on May 29. With them are Mayor Pelayo and Mar De Jesus of Sogo Hotel.
ANGELES CITY – Pampanga local officials, including Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, described as “living hero and inspiration” the Laguna-based policeman who successfully rescued two children in a hostage drama resulting in the death of the suspect last Monday.
Pamintuan said P02 Eduardo Santigao of San Pedro, Laguna “should be emulated and this is what we need in trying times.”
“This definitely proves that many of our public servants and cops are honest and sincere. And there are a few living heroes like Santiago,” said Pamintuan, who joined Gov. Lilia “Baby” Pineda in honoring Santiago at the start of the Anti-Drugs Summit here yesterday.
This came as Sogo Hotel officials Rey Malaca and Mar De Jesus gave P25,000 to Santiago “in recognizing his heroic act and part of Sogo’s corporate social responsibility.”
Pineda shouldered the medical expenses of Santiago who went home yesterday after being released from the Armando Garcia Medical Center here.
Santiago suffered knife wounds after struggling with suspect Sidro Brine of Catarman, Samar. He shot to death Brine after the Five Star Bus met an accident in Mabiga, Mabalacat.
“The bravery of the cop and his action beyond duty should be commended. This is an inspiration to other cops,” said Senior Supt. Edgardo Tinio, Pampanga police director.
Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, Pampanga Mayors’ League (PML) president, said he will ask the Philippine National Police (PNP) to transfer Santiago to the Candaba PNP office.
“Santiago is one of the few public servants who make the government really proud,” Pelayo said.
Meanwhile, Tinio said that the three companions of Brine “are not suspects.” He added that Brine apparently “napped after not eating for 26 hours” before staging the hostage.
Tinio said the suspect might be suffering from a mental illness.
