GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Amid the chaos of a raging fire that tore through the General Santos City Public Market on the morning of August 16, 2025, a story of extraordinary bravery emerged—one that cost a man his life but saved the lives of children who might not have survived without him.
The inferno, which engulfed several stalls and sent vendors and shoppers running for safety, claimed the life of Saed “Bapa Saed” Sapal, a resident of Barangay Dadiangas South. But in his final moments, he chose selflessness over survival.
A Final Act of Bravery
As the flames spread rapidly across the market’s north side, Saed rushed toward a karinderya where children were trapped. Witnesses recounted how he braved the smoke and fire, guiding the young ones to safety one by one.
Among those rescued were:
- Razul Dimalen, 7, a Grade 1 student at Dadiangas South Elementary School
- Rasha Sapal, a Grade 8 student at MSU
- Ameera Abdullah, only 3 years old
- Morsid Dimalen, 13, Grade 8 student at Irineo
His heroism ensured their survival. Tragically, as Saed made his final attempt to help, he succumbed to the blaze.
A Community in Mourning
Barangay Captain Rock Garay of Dadiangas South, together with the barangay council, extended their condolences to Saed’s family, calling him a true hero.
“Saed sacrificed his own life for the safety of the children. His courage will never be forgotten, and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for all of us,” Garay posted on social media.
While the community lauds Saed’s bravery, his family bears the weight of an immense loss. His wife, Imelda Sapal, suffered severe burns covering 95% of her body and remains confined in the hospital. The barangay government has appealed to the public for support in her medical treatment.
Honoring a Hero
In keeping with Islamic tradition, Saed was laid to rest the same afternoon, surrounded by grieving family, friends, and community members. His burial was not just a farewell—it was a recognition of a man whose last breath was spent ensuring the safety of others.
The blaze has left authorities investigating the cause and extent of damages, but for many in General Santos, the focus is not only on the fire’s destruction but also on the light of courage that shone amid the smoke.
In a city scarred by tragedy, Saed Sapal’s heroism stands as a reminder of the power of sacrifice, community, and love for others. He may have fallen to the flames, but his memory will forever burn brightly in the hearts of those he saved and the community he inspired.