Unsung Heroes: The Brave Responders of Lapu-Lapu Day

By CJ Lacaba

During what was supposed to be a joyful celebration of culture, unity, and heritage at the Lapu-Lapu Day event, a moment of tragedy struck that turned celebration into chaos. But within that chaos emerged remarkable acts of bravery and humanity, stories of unsung heroes whose quick thinking and selfless actions made all the difference.

I was there, as a member of the True North Hinirang Eagles Club, partnered with MLA Mable Elmore, tasked with marshalling the main stage and ensuring the safety of headline artists Apl.de.ap and Jay Ray. From 7 a.m. until the program ended, we stood in service to the community. The event concluded smoothly, and Apl.de.ap was escorted to his room, but instead of heading straight to his hotel as planned, he lingered a while longer, a delay that would become significant in the moments to come.

As my brother Jhon and I left the venue to head to another engagement, we walked toward our car parked inside the school near the tennis courts, adjacent to the street where the tragedy unfolded. Suddenly, the shrill screech of tires and a revving engine shattered the calm, followed by a series of loud booms. Instinctively, we thought it was a drive-by shooting. Screams erupted, people scattered in panic, and fear gripped the air. Jhon and I ran toward the street, only to see bodies on the ground and children crying. My phone had died, so I told my brother to call 911 while I gathered as many children as I could and brought them back to the school for safety, back to where Apl.de.ap was located, in the library.

Inside, I saw my fellow club members Rose, James, Peter, and Annabelle. I quickly told them what had happened. We locked all the doors, fearing more violence, and made sure the children were safe. We had no idea if it was over. Moments later, we learned from my brother that it wasn’t a shooting but a vehicle that had plowed into people on purpose. I left with Jayson and Nick to return to the scene and find my brother.

We found him helping alongside other volunteers, moving bodies under the guidance of nurses who had been at the event. People like Darwin, Jen, Jonathan, Bella, and Jay, all civilians. instinctively jumped into action, controlling crowds, comforting the injured, and bringing calm amid the chaos. What was meant to be a day of celebration had become a scene of horror, grief, and disbelief. Yet, it was also a day when everyday people, without training or preparation rose to the occasion. These were not professionals or responders in uniform; they were fathers, mothers, friends, and neighbors who acted from the heart. Their bravery might never make the news, but those of us who were there know what they did. It is in these quiet, unseen actions that true heroism lies. Their courage should not be forgotten or buried under headlines. These stories deserve to be told and honored.

Even now, we continue to support each other. We are in touch with those who were there, engaging in counseling and group debriefings. The trauma has connected us in ways we never expected. Some names haven’t been mentioned out of respect and privacy, but we know who they are, and we carry their strength with us. This tragedy may have taken joy from that day, but it also revealed the resilience and humanity of our community. We move forward together, bound by sorrow, but also by the hope that we can heal, and that the courage shown that day will never be forgotten.

There are so many unsung heroes out there, names I haven’t mentioned, faces that may never be known, who stepped forward with courage when others were frozen in shock. In the midst of chaos, they chose compassion. They acted not for recognition, but because a human life was worth the risk, worth the effort, worth everything. Their quiet bravery, their instinct to help, to hold, to try; it deserves to be seen, to be honored. Thank you, for giving someone a little more time, a little more hope, in a moment that felt like the world was falling apart.