A Filipino in Japan was recognized for his heroism after stopping a resident from jumping off a bridge.
Emil Rebojo Vega, 32, a plumber, rescued a woman from Asaka City, Saitama Prefecture who was planning to jump off a bridge last April 24.
Vega was on his way home when he saw the Japanese woman he assumed was planning to jump off the bridge.
He said he immediately got off his motorcycle and held the hand of the woman after seeing her at the bridge and called other motorists for help.
“Sabi daw po nung babae habang umiiyak ayaw niya na po daw mabuhay dahil palagi na lang sya pinapagalitan ng tatay nya. Puro mali na lang daw nakikita sa kanya kaya mas gusto nya na lang daw mawala (The woman was saying she didn't want to live anymore because her father always scolds her. They seem to always see the wrongs that she did, so she wanted to just disappear),” Jewel Zealor Meneses Vega, wife of Vega, told the Manila Bulletin.
The Asaka City Police acknowledged Vega for what he did.
Vega said he got really scared when he first saw the woman, and felt relieved that he was able to help her.
Vega, who hails from Albuera, Leyte, has been living in Japan for 16 years now with his family.