The indigenous Igorot spirit of binnadang—the tradition of coming together to help those in need—was brought to life once again in Natonin, Mountain Province, as police officers and residents joined hands to rush an ailing senior citizen to the hospital.
While conducting patrol operations in Barangay Balangao, personnel of the Natonin Municipal Police Station (MPS) received an urgent call for assistance from Sitio Chaap. A senior citizen had been enduring severe stomach pain and continuous vomiting since early that morning of August 24, 2025.
Responding swiftly, the police officers headed to the area and were met by the patient’s relatives and local residents, who had already gathered and were ready to help. However, the patient’s location was over a kilometer from the main road, and the rough, mountainous terrain made it impossible for the police patrol vehicle to pass through.
Without hesitation, the officers and community members resorted to fulig—the traditional Cordilleran practice of carrying a sick person on an improvised stretcher by foot over difficult ground. Together, they carried the patient through approximately more than one kilometer of rugged footpaths until they reached an access point where the patrol car could take over.
The police officers then transported the patient to the hospital, where he was admitted for medical treatment and continues to receive care.
This life-saving effort exemplifies the essence of Serbisyong Nararamdaman—a brand of service defined not by convenience but by presence and genuine concern. No matter how difficult the terrain or how remote the community, the Natonin MPS stands ready to serve, proving that public service goes beyond crime prevention and extends into compassionate, life-saving action.
Guided by cultural values and a steadfast commitment to duty, the responding officers—PCMS Jelson E Liyac, a member of PSBRC Class 2007-01 “MATALAS”, PMSg Cristobal M Andawe, PSBRC Class 2010-02 “SAGUPA”, PSSg Roldan B. Ma-anao, PSBRC Class 2014-03 “MASIGLAT”, and PCpl Nazaro A. Sabang, PSBRC Class 2017-01 “DALISAY ALAB” —together with the entire Natonin MPS, remain unwavering in their mission to ensure that no one is left behind, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. **RPIO PRO CAR