MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.net/ 28 August 2025)—Two Impasugong cops and some steel workers managed to stop an elderly man from jumping off the Atugan Bridge last Saturday morning, August 23.
In the video that captured the incident, PCpl. Mike Anton Yamaro and Pat. Virgilio Velayo were seen approaching the edge of the bridge, followed by the workers of Soil-Steel Bridge Solutions. They managed to pull-up a man sitting on the ledge and holding a cord.
The elderly was reported to be a resident of San Vicente, Kisolon. He was immediately brought to the police station for documentation and counselling.
Pastor Joel Zapanta of the Baptist Church also came to give him encouragement and hope.
According to the report, the police received a 911 call from a concerned citizen at 8:56 a.m., which was transferred to the Impasugong Quick Response Team Mobile 1824 of Yamaro and Velayo. The two cops arrived on the scene at 9 a.m.
The Atugan Bridge is one of the country’s highest bridges at 64.5 meters. According to the staff of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 10, a one-way route has been implemented for the bridge since August 19 due to repairs. The mortar on the side of the bridge heading to Cagayan de Oro is being reinstated and is set to be completed in two weeks.
Several hotlines by government and private groups are available for those in distress or feeling the heavy weight of life’s problems. (with reports from Sean Sulugan)
Here is the National Center for Mental Health MH Crisis Hotline:
📞 1553 (Nationwide landline toll-free)
📞 1800-1888-1553 (A one-time charge of P7.50 will be applied per call).
📱 SMART/ TNT: 0919-057-1553
📱 GLOBE/ TM: 0917-899-8727 (USAP)
The religious organization Light of Jesus Pastoral Care also provides audio calls and chats with people going through difficulties.
They can be reached via SMS at 0923 132 3071 and 0915 776 5326 (Mondays – Fridays); 0951 107 6323 and 0995 711 2537 (Saturday).
They are also available for online chat at https://lojpcc.com and emails at lojpastoralcare@gmail.com and prayers.lojpastoralcare@gmail.com.
(We are still looking for Bukidnon-based hotlines from both government and private sectors.–Ed.)
