Back in 2009, my dad was gunned down at a restaurant in Davao Oriental. My father was an environmentalist who also fought his own battles to save the environment.
My world had fell apart when my sister called me while I was in school saying that my dad had been shot. My friends immediately drove me home while I was crying desperately in the car for a miracle.
My sister who was there while the incident happened called us. We could barely understand her words as she was crying hysterically. She was asking for help and did not know what to do. They were running dad to the nearest hospital but she fears the hospitals there would not be able to take my dad’s case as he had a lot fatal wounds.
For the first time in my life I felt so helpless.
My dad, my hero, the man I always run to for strength was lying down, fighting for breath in some restaurant miles and miles away from Davao.
We then received a phone call from Mayor Duterte’s office saying that the Mayor was informed about what happened.
Mayor Duterte had volunteered to find a helicopter to lend us and have my dad flown from Mati so he can be treated here in Davao.
I cannot explain how relieved I was when I heard that. It was the biggest hope anyone had ever given us. We called my sister so they can prepare to be flown out to Davao.
Unfortunately, my dad had too much fatal wounds and he was already pronounced dead upon arriving the hospital. My world fell apart.
At my father’s wake, we received a bunch of flowers from Mayor Duterte, Inday Sara and Pulong Duterte. The Mayor had supported us in our time of grief and even arranged for assistance for my father’s burial.
Throughout our grief, our Mayor went out of his way to help us.
Despite his busy schedule, he came to my dad’s wake to personally comfort our family.
He had always been so thoughtful and took care of his people.
He is a father to the fatherless, a humble servant and a loving leader.
I hope this message reaches Mayor Duterte. Sir, thank you so much for helping us in our time of need.
Our country NEEDS a leader like you!