PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte — A policewoman with emergency medical training sprang into action and helped deliver a baby inside a store along the Panabo Coastal Road in Barangay Cagangohan after a pregnant woman went into active labor on August 15, 2026.
Pat. Jesseca P. Tequil, a former 911 Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) who is now assigned to the Davao del Norte Maritime Police Station, responded to a report from a concerned citizen about a pregnant woman experiencing severe labor pains.
Tequil immediately proceeded to assist the woman while medical responders from the Panabo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) were being dispatched to the area.
However, the situation quickly became more urgent as the woman’s labor progressed rapidly. With no time to wait, Tequil drew on her previous emergency medical training and assisted the mother through the delivery inside the roadside store.
Using her knowledge and experience as an emergency medical responder, Tequil helped ensure that both the mother and newborn were kept safe while waiting for the arrival of the CDRRMO team.
The CDRRMO personnel subsequently arrived and took over the medical response. The mother and her newly delivered baby were later transported to a medical facility in Carmen, Davao del Norte, for further assessment and care.
The incident highlighted the importance of having trained and prepared public servants who can respond effectively during emergencies, particularly when every second matters.
For Tequil, her response demonstrated that her emergency medical training remains valuable even in her present assignment with the police force. Her actions allowed her to provide immediate assistance during a critical moment, bridging the gap until specialized medical responders could reach the scene.
The incident also underscored the broader role of police personnel in public safety. Beyond law enforcement, officers are often among the first government responders to emergencies, making preparedness, first-aid knowledge and the ability to remain calm under pressure essential skills in the field.
Tequil’s prompt response and professionalism serve as a reminder that public service extends beyond routine duties. In an unexpected roadside emergency, her willingness to step forward and use her training helped a mother safely bring a new life into the world while professional medical assistance was still on its way.
The incident reflects the continuing commitment of personnel of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group to responsive, compassionate and community-centered public service.