Amid the chaos and destruction spawned by the heavy flooding in Metro Manila, heartwarming acts of kindness and heroism are circulating online and touching the hearts of many Filipinos.
Take for instance, Hans Pati, who has gone viral for putting his life on the line to save a dog trapped in the fast-rising floodwaters in Marikina City at the height of the heavy rains and flooding spawned by Typhoon Carina.
Recounting Hans’ rescue of the abandoned dog, animal welfare NGO Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) said the young man and his friends called for rescue responders when they spotted the stranded dog in Barangay Barangka.
But when an hour passed with no help in sight, Hans took matters into his own hands.
Braving the raging floodwaters, Hans swam to the dog while his friends cheered him on. The dramatic rescue, caught on camera, showed Hans struggling to free the dog from wires and a fence before finally bringing it to safety.
Hans told AKF that he decided to save the dog because it reminded him of his own pets. “Naalala ko lang din yung alaga namin at naisip ko agad sila pano kung sila po yung andun. Kaya hindi ako nagdalawang isip,” he said.
When AKF asked him if he needed anything for himself and his family, Hans humbly replied, “If may gusto man po magbigay tulong, sa dog na lang at sa mga kabaranggay ko.”
His selfless act has garnered widespread praise from AKF and netizens alike:
“Mabuhay ka Hans! Thank you for your compassion for the animals,” said AKF.
“Rescue stories like this warms my heart! Great job, Hans! Kudos to your supportive friends as well.”
“For me…these are true heroes… God bless and keep safe”
“God bless you po. You saved a life despite putting yourself in harm’s way. You will be blessed thousands times for your kindness”
“Bakit ako naiiyak while reading this?”
“Wow! What a hero! Salute to you Hans”
