POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato -- The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Polomolok, South Cotabato lauded the quick and effective rescue conducted by Polomolok Fire Station (PFS) personnel after responding to the shooting incident on March 17, 2023 involving the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Rhyolite Balili.

Balili is Executive Assistant to Polomolok town Mayor Bernie “Jojo” Palencia.

The 19th SB on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, unanimously approved during their 35th regular session Resolution No. 89 sponsored by Councilor Leo Cordova, commending the PFS personnel for the prompt response and selfless effort in rescuing Balili from a foiled assassination attempt.

The responding personnel included PFS Admin Chief SFO3 Garnet Noel Balili, FO2 Grepor Sotalbo, FO1 Aedric Magnus Aperocho, and Fire Aide Cyril Lanestosa.

Responders described the rescue operation as a race against the clock because the initial reports indicated that the victim is already dead.

“Luckily for the victim, we followed our instinct as rescuers and immediately conducted an initial critical patient assessment. When we arrived we immediately extracted the critically wounded victim from his car and provided first aid, and we rushed him to the hospital. No one dared to touch the victim as he was initially declared dead,” FO2 Sotalbo narrated.

“We are also very cautious during the rescue operation because of the fear that the perpetrators were still around to finish off the victim,” he added.

For his part, PFS Fire Marshal Insp. Lindon P. Narvaza praised his men for their gallant rescue effort.

“As their leader, I will never cease to commend any of my personnel for doing a good job,” said Insp. Narvaza.

“A snappy salute for them because they deserve it,” the Fire Marshal added. (SFO1 Philip Chan/BFP-PIS)