20th IB trooper saves baby’s life

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
October 7, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  – The life of a nine-month old baby boy was saved because of the timely intervention of Corporal Jose F. Cabujoc, a member of the 20th Infantry Battalion of the 8th ID based in San Isidro, Northern Samar.

The baby was initially given up for dead by his parents when they could no longer hear any heartbeat or any sign of breathing.

Hearing the predicament of the couple, Corporal Cabujoc immediately came to the rescue and applied the life-saving skills he learned from his schooling and effectively used the Combat Life Saver Kit that was issued by the Philippine Army.

The baby’s parents could only utter “Thanks God” in amazement when they heard the pronouncement of Corporal Cabujoc that the baby was alive.

This miraculous incident transpired during a Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) that was jointly organized in cooperation with the Local Government of Calbayog City on September 23, 2007, First Lieutenant Dranreb Canto of the 20th IB reported.

The lucky baby was later identified as Baby Boy Cajusay of Barangay Pinamorotan, Calbayog City, who suffered from acute malnutrition. In fact, losing hope that the baby will survive, the family already made a coffin for the baby.

Compounding the family’s woes is the fact that their barangay is located about 50-kilometers away from Calbayog City proper. The availability of doctors and medical practitioners is so much wanting due to its sheer distance where no transportation vehicle could ever reach. It can only be reached by foot for more than a day’s walk.

This story certainly bespeaks of the motives of the Philippine Army as exemplified by the 20th Infantry Battalion under the able leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Lenard T Agustin. Saving a baby’s life is worth all the sacrifices and hardship in a soldier’s life.