 Part 2 – The Rescue
Friday was tragic. In a moment, after that wayward jeepney smashed our van, our lives were changed like never before.
I was afraid to the nth degree, afraid I might lose any of my loved-ones. I was yelling for help. My mind was active yet blank at the same time. I was on auto-mode. I don’t remember exactly the sequence of events in the first 20 minutes or so--who came out of the van first or how I was able to squeeze myself out of my crumpled seat. Everything happened so fast.
I remember some “snapshots” though: my wife Nory carrying little Hazel (10) out of the front seat of the van, bloody all over. Nory had her forehead bleeding too, ready to pass-out, but she was a strong woman and maintained presence of mind. At least, Hazel was conscious but I saw on her face shock like we don’t want any of our little ones ever experience in their lives. I was praying, “Lord, Lord, please help us!”
I remember opening the sliding door of the van, reaching to unlock it through the front door. I saw my passengers all thrown on the middle row, one on top of the other, my kids crying for help. I brought out Bea (8), my youngest, first. She was on the third row now on the second row on top of everyone. Then I carried out Koreen (12), my eldest. Pulled her from the backseat while complaining she can’t move her left arm. My brother-in-law, Manong Terry, crawled out of the front door and brought out Ingkit, their 3-year old girl.
Many “good Samaritans” were there. Vehicles behind us stopped not to satisfy their curiosity but to genuinely extend their most needed assistance. Like one efficient team they helped carry out Manang Nelly (wife of Manong Terry). She too was crying, “Bali ang braso ko! Bali ang braso ko! (my arm is broken!). Men we didn’t know helped us like they really know what they’re doing. They gave instructions, offered their vehicles while constantly assuring us that we’ll be ok and not to worry about our belongings. They were God-sent! Angles in men’s clothing I suppose. They didn’t even give us their names or contact numbers so we can formally thank them.
I think it was a pajero who brought the first batch to the nearest hospital. In there were Nory, Hazel, Bea, Manong Terry and Ingkit. Blood and black oil spilt from our engine surely left memorable marks on that instrumental vehicle. God bless their hearts.
 The second batch was rushed to the hospital several minutes later. It took five men to bring Manang Nelly out of the van. Her condition looked precarious and we don’t want to complicate matters. They waited for a moment for a stretcher but decided on moving her ahead in no time. My son, Jondi (11) was the last to get out as he was the one under the pile of people. He was crying, like waking up from a bad dream. He was sleeping before we were hit. I don’t remember what kind of vehicle was offered to us. We squeezed Manang Nelly, Jondi and Koreen at the backseat. I remember handing Jondi a celphone I found at the floor of our van. I kissed my kids, glanced one last time, slammed the door and off they went.
I was left with my young nephew, Rommel. It was painful to see my family go. I wasn’t even sure which hospital they will be brought to. My heart was pounding fast. I was worried to the bones but somehow God’s peace enveloped me, like how that safety airbag enveloped my face and head during the impact, only, God’s assurance to me is multiplied infinitely. “I’m with you, I’m with you,” He was telling me in spite of my troubled heart.
Minutes later, my other brother-in-law, Bers, (and company) came to the scene with his AUV. That was after I have made a couple of calls to a relative in Caloocan and in Pampanga for help. Investigators have drawn sketches of the accident. The two vehicles by that time were already separated and the road was cleared to ease the flow of traffic.
The driver of the jeepney was nowhere to be found. He ran off the scene. His two passengers, one adult and one boy, were picked up by an ambulance and were brought to the same hospital where my family was. I took photos while waiting. I wished I had a point and shoot camera that time. My huge digital SLR was a pain on my neck and seemed unusually complicated in my trembling hands!
The trip to the Angeles University Hospital seemed hours to me. First time I was seated and my adrenalin level was going down. I was praying silently and now have time to read the text messages again. One can never underestimate the power of assurance of words or even in text messages when received at the most needed moment. Every word I read brought a gentle breeze of fresh hope and confidence to me. I received a text message from my wife at 6:32pm (an hour after the hit), “Sweets… I love you… accidents do happen but God is in control. I love you so much and I miss to embrace you.” I cried and cried, “Oh, how I love my wife and kids. Lord, thank you that you’re in control.”
| If you happen to know any of the good "Samaritans" pictured above, please let us know. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Do continue to uphold us in prayer. God bless. |
 | it was a really tragic!
I'm praying for you and your family immediate and complete recovery sir... |
 | From your account of the incident Dave, God didnt leave your side and sent his angels to help and protect you..He must have let it happen for a purpose..Nice to know your family is back in manila and hoping for your full recovery |
 | Jean Pierre de Caussade, an 18th Century Writer wrote: "What God arranges for us to experience at each moment is the holiest thing that could happen to us." Thanking and praising the Lord with you; and saving more of my praises for the 'good' that will be worked out as a result of this incident. Your Tita Alice sends her love. We'll continue to pray for a complete recovery. |
 | wow...ang hirap mag react...
but what your wife texted you is awesome kuya. you are very, very lucky! now i know how much God must love you and your family! |
 | The best thing i've learned from your sermons... "God is good, rain or shine. All the time, God is good." I pray that through this, your family would grow more intimate with our Lord and glorify him all the more. God bless you kuya dave... |
 | Hand of God catching your face to protect you, Army of Angels to take the family out of the van and to the hospital, scheduled nurses and doctors that we can trust....God's control. All praises and glory to His Name! |
 | Grabe!!! My eyes are still tearing as I type this.
You're so strong.
We will continue to pray for your family's speedy recovery. |
 | Pastor Dave..what can i say...na touch ako dun sa text ng wife mo sayo... Pagaling ka..god is good! |
 | vibay wrote on Feb 14, '07 God says, "I will save those who love Me and will protect those who acknowledge Me as Lord. When they call to Me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with long life; and I will save them." Psalm 91:14-16
God is true to His promises! I've seen His faithfulness in this incident, Dave. Grabe talaga!
You and your family are always in my prayers. |
|  Jean Pierre de Caussade, an 18th Century Writer wrote: "What God arranges for us to experience at each moment is the holiest thing that could happen to us." Thanking and praising the Lord with you; and saving more of my praises for the 'good' that will be worked out as a result of this incident. Your Tita Alice sends her love. We'll continue to pray for a complete recovery.  thanks Tito Leng, musta po sa mga loved-ones sa Niagara. |
| but what your wife texted you is awesome kuya. you are very, very lucky! now i know how much God must love you and your family! yes jay, i can read that text over and over and still find so much encouragement. I'm blessed. |
| The best thing i've learned from your sermons... "God is good, rain or shine. All the time, God is good." I pray that through this, your family would grow more intimate with our Lord and glorify him all the more. God bless you kuya dave... As I always say, "Wet or dry God is good." I find fresh meaning of this every experience the Lord sends our way. Truly, He is good all the time! |
| Grabe!!! My eyes are still tearing as I type this.
You're so strong.
We will continue to pray for your family's speedy recovery. Thanks Din, ka PM lang kita. Who would think the weekend shoot will turn out this way? Amazing! Till our next EB. |
 | oh wow. I heard the story many times already (and in different versions too) but none of those gave me tears like NOW, while reading this post. Ibang klase. You'd think this only happens in movies, in real life din pala. God is amazing!! In every angle of this story, He's there, making it happen--miracle after miracle. Praise God for your family, Ninong Dave. This story, this accident, is a real blessing (a blessing in disguise!!) to all of us. |
 | bijoi wrote on Feb 15, '07 waahh kuya dave. na-iiyak ako sa goodness ni God. I called Bea noong Monday. It was good to hear that your family are okay. |
| Must say, I really am "learning" a lot here. Your words flow like endless stream. In the rush of things, I forget the most basic obligation to God. I am amazed how you were able to be so composed, forgiving, and gratuitous during such trying moments. Kudos to Nory too. |
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