ISABELA – Praises poured in for a kindhearted policeman from Cauayan City here for his compassion and mercy for a poor man who could not afford to buy a facemask and instead used a banana leaf to cover his nose and mouth.

There was an outpouring of praise for P/SSg. Mark Anthony Ramirez, who was manning a checkpoint in Barangay Alinam in Cauayan City, when Cipriano Meneses, 63, a resident of Purok 1 of the barangay, passed by with the peculiar-looking facemask.

On close inspection, Ramirez found that it was a banana leaf.

But instead of accosting Meneses for not following strict health protocols, the police officer gave the poor man a facemask.  

The man was later identified as Cipriano Meneses, 63 ,resident of Purok 1, bgy Alinam, Cauayan City , Isabela.

Cauayan City Police Chief Lt. Col. Gerald Gamboa said all police personnel have been constantly reminded to show empathy to people, especially when implementing health protocols.

“Dapat alam din ng pulis na ilagay sa kanilang sarili ang damdamin ng ibang tao, hindi lang basta nakasita at nakasakit, basta may magagawan ng tulong kailangan tulungan ang mga tao na alam, natin na nasa ibaba o walang kakayahan sa isang bagay, Gamboa, a native of Pangasinan, told The Manila Bulletin.

Posts of Ramirez’s compassion have gone viral.

 “This breaks but also melts my heart. Simple act of kindness does go a long way,especially during the trying times. A legit example of Bayanihan, unlike how others defined and showed it. Besides, kindness doesn’t have to be grand,” said a netizen.

“Should be like this act of kindness, some really can't afford to buy..your understanding and kindness are highly appreciated,” another said.

Gamboa said, ever since the posts came out, he has been receiving inquiries from concerned netizens on how they could reach Meneses to extend their help.

“Now i really can confirm that those who raised from poverty are those who have a heart and kindness to the poor,” another netizen said.