Cops Cited for Stopping Teen From Jumping in Cadiz City

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Two police officers prevented a 19-year-old student from jumping off a three-story unfinished university building in Barangay Zone 1, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, on Thursday morning.

Police Lt. Col. John Joel Batusbatusan, chief of the Cadiz City Police Station, said the student was reportedly suffering from depression related to family issues.

Residents alerted authorities around 8 a.m. after seeing the student standing on the third floor of the building.

Batusbatusan said the student likely accessed the structure through a temporary fence behind the school.

It took police about 20 minutes to persuade the student to come down safely.

He was turned over to his parents and later brought for medical consultation to address his condition.

Batusbatusan commended Police Master Sgt. Arsenio Menardo Jr. and Police Cpl. Jeson Batayen for their swift and effective intervention.

“These acts of police service deserve recognition for exceptional courage, compassion and dedication in protecting lives,” the police chief said.

The officers received praise on social media, with netizens giving them a “snappy salute” and comments such as “good job.”

Batusbatusan said both officers will receive formal commendation from Police Col. Rainerio de Chavez, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, next week.