Aklan police to honor 2 cops for saving woman

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Aklan Police Provincial Office (AkPPO) will honor two Madalag Municipal Police Station officers for their swift action that saved a distressed woman’s life.

Police Master Sgt. Edmond Olid, supply PNCO, and Staff Sgt. Sheryl Santillan, assistant PCR PNCO, were recognized for responding promptly and showing compassion to a 38-year-old woman who reportedly attempted suicide.

The woman allegedly tried to jump into a river at Sitio Daguitan, Barangay Paningayan, Madalag, on August 18.

Reports said Olid and Santillan spent nearly 30 minutes consoling the woman, who was crying in despair along the riverbank.

As the officers tried to calm her, the woman suddenly ran into the deeper part of the river.

Olid immediately jumped into the water and pulled her to safety, with Santillan assisting from the riverbank.

The woman, a resident of Barangay Tigbauan, Madalag, told police she had been driven to the brink by family problems and financial hardships.

She and her 49-year-old husband support their four children — aged 18, 17, 14, and 12 — by harvesting bamboo.

On August 23, 2025, Madalag police visited her home, but she reportedly declined counseling offered by the police and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

Brig. Gen. Josefina Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, praised the officers for their compassionate and courageous response.

“Their courage and empathy reflect the PNP’s commitment to a selfless service with a heart,” Ligan said.

“This act shows our people that their police will always be there to protect and save lives.”

She also assured that Police Regional Office 6 will continue to provide dedicated service to the people of Western Visayas.