Marine engineering student revives 2 kids who drowned in Quezon

MANILA, Philippines – A 20-year-old marine engineering student became an unlikely hero after successfully reviving two children who drowned at a beach resort in Catanauan, Quezon, on Saturday, June 27, through the immediate application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Marine engineering student Von Untalan performs CPR on two children rescued from drowning in Catanauan, Quezon. Photo courtesy: Mhiles Charming Fsp/Facebook

According to police, the two minors from Barangay Malaya, General Luna, Quezon were swept away by strong waves while chasing a floating bottle and were pulled farther from the shoreline before volunteers managed to rescue them and bring them back to shore.

By the time the children were rescued, they were already unconscious and not breathing, prompting bystanders to seek immediate help as every second became critical.

The student, identified as Von Untalan, said he was staying at a nearby cottage with his uncle when they noticed the commotion and rushed to assist the victims.

"Nasa cottage po kami no'ng time na 'yon. Nakita namin ng Tiyuhin ko na may nalulunod, kaya dali-dali kaming lumapit para tingnan ang lagay ng bata," Untalan recalled in an interview.

"Sobrang naawa ako dahil masama na ang kalagayan niya at wala na siyang malay," he added.

Untalan said he immediately performed CPR using the basic life-saving techniques he learned during a seminar at Inter-Global College after seeing that the children were unresponsive.

"Dahil may kaunti naman akong nalalaman sa CPR, agad ko siyang ginawa," he said.

His timely response proved successful as both children gradually regained breathing and consciousness before they were rushed to a hospital for further medical treatment.

The parents of the victims later expressed their gratitude to Untalan, the volunteers, and everyone who helped save the lives of their children, who are now reported to be recovering well.

Authorities reminded the public to exercise extreme caution when swimming, especially during rough sea conditions or inclement weather, and encouraged more people to learn CPR, saying immediate intervention can make the difference between life and death during emergencies.

— The Summit Express