A forklift driver is the toast of Tagbilaran City after risking his life to save a drowning 12-year-old girl at the city's sea port.
The city and the girl's family have commended 32-year-old Benjamin Anunsio for his selfless action.
Anunsio was hauling cargo from a trailer van when he heard Niña Aprovechado's distressed shouts for help.
Aprovechado was swimming with friends off the Tagbilaran port when she suffered leg pain and could not reach a platform.
Anunsio told a press conference he immediately decided to jump into the water to save the girl.
"I am not an expert swimmer but my instinct overcame my fear," said Anunsio, who also has a 12-year-old daughter, after a short award ceremony at the city hall.
Anunsio was presented with a plaque of appreciation and commendation from the city, and made lifelong friends of Aprovechado's parents.
"We are so thankful for (his) help - he saved our only child and for that we will be forever thankful," said Pat and Eric Aprovechado.