SAFE DELIVERY. Personnel from the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) led by Cpl. Leo John V. Samonte help a woman give birth inside a rescue vehicle in San Vicente, Camarines Norte on Monday (Jan. 17, 2022). Samonte is also a registered nurse. (Photo courtesy of PRO5)
LEGAZPI CITY – A pregnant woman who went into labor inside a municipal rescue vehicle early this week received assistance from a police officer in safely giving birth to her baby.
Maj. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) spokesperson, in an interview on Wednesday, said the law enforcer who helped the pregnant woman last Monday is Cpl. Leo John V. Samonte, a registered nurse deployed in a vaccination site at the San Vicente Municipal Health Office in Camarines Norte.
"Without any delay, our police officer immediately offered his service to the midwife to ensure the fast and safe delivery of the pregnant woman. The mother safely delivered a healthy baby," Calubaquib said.
She noted that the woman was about to be brought to the town's birthing center but went into labor before reaching the facility and delivered a baby boy inside the vehicle.
Calubaquib also said Samonte has been part of the town police's coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) team along with other front-liners in Camarines Norte.
Samonte, in a statement, said he is honored to be able to help the mother and her newborn.
“Masayang maibahagi ang ating kaalaman sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa kapwa nating nangangailangan hindi lamang bilang pulis kundi bilang isang nurse. Ang pagkakataong tumulong sa kapwa natin ay lubhang nakakapagbigay po ng kakaibang saya sa pakiramdam bilang alagad ng batas kasi bibihirang pagkakataon po yung ganito, yung kakaibang tulong na maibibigay mo sa kapwa mo, yung makatulong ka na maisalba ang buhay ng mag-ina, talaga pong walang katumbas na saya. (I'm happy to share my knowledge by using it in helping others who are in need not just as a police officer but also as a nurse. The chance to help others gives an overwhelming feeling as a law enforcer because it is a rare opportunity, saving the lives of a mother and her child brings uncomparable happiness)," he said.
Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO5 director, commended the dedication of the police officer in giving assistance under such a unique circumstance.
Other officers also admired the act of their colleague, saying Samonte served as an inspiration that should be emulated.
"Indeed PNP (Philippine National Police)-PRO5 is always ready to give services at any time, weather, and anywhere. Rest assured that we as your "Kasurog cops" will remain as your ally in on challenges of life," Estomo said. (PNA)
