A volunteer firefighter and rescuer from Antipolo City was given a hero's burial by fellow firefighters and barangay responders as family, friends, and colleagues paid their final respects to a man, remembered for his courage and selfless service.

Cristofer Magpusao, 47, a volunteer of Barangay San Roque’s Rescue 723 unit for seven years, was laid to rest on November 17 following a solemn funeral procession that began at the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City.

As Magpusao’s white casket emerged from the church, it was placed atop the Rescue 723 firetruck—a symbolic tribute reserved for firefighters.

His casket, draped with a Philippine flag provided by Barangay San Roque, had been covered with the national colors throughout the wake until the day of the funeral—a gesture his family said meant deeply to them.

Before the funeral rites began, ambulances from neighboring barangays including San Jose, Dela Paz, Dalig, and units from the city government positioned themselves outside the cathedral in preparation for the motorcade. When the procession started, Magpusao’s fellow volunteers marched ahead carrying a flag, along with his firefighter gear—his suit and helmet.

As the convoy moved through the streets, ambulances executed siren tributes and flashed emergency lights, causing passersby to stop, watch, and document the rare and solemn sight of a fallen firefighter’s casket atop a firetruck.

City traffic personnel and San Roque peacekeepers coordinated to ensure a smooth passage for the motorcade as it made its way to the nearby cemetery.

Upon reaching the final stretch toward the burial site, fire trucks from several Antipolo barangays—San Roque, San Jose, Dalig, and Mambugan—as well as units from Barangay Dolores in Taytay, Barangay San Juan in Cainta, and the Red Legion Fire Rescue, Inarawan, Bagong Nayon, Sta. Cruz, and CDRRMO firetrucks performed a water salute. Arcs of water soared above the convoy as Magpusao’s firetruck passed by, drenching participants—including Magpusao’s family and friends—in an emotional and unexpected final honor.

During his wake, Magpusao’s co-workers delivered emotional eulogies, recalling fond memories and the bravery he displayed throughout his years of service. Though a volunteer who received only a modest allowance, Magpusao was known for risking his life repeatedly to save others.

Other firetrucks almost emptied their water supply before the final rights and burial took place.

In April 2022, he nearly died while rescuing a trapped individual from a burning home in Barangay Dela Paz. He collapsed after leading the victim out of the blaze and was hospitalized many times before. In June 2024, he suffered a serious arm injury while responding to another emergency in Barangay Sta. Cruz.

His family said Magpusao's health started to deteriorate following the 2022 incident that he had to take maintenance medicines since then. But that did not prevent him from returning to his duty until a few weeks before his last hospital confinement in October, this year, due to complications that arose from his failing health.  

His unwavering dedication in 2024 prompted Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III, Vice Mayor Josefina Gatlabayan, and the city council to formally honor him for his exceptional courage and commitment.

“Palagi niyang inuuna ang iba sa pagsagip ng buhay at ari-arian nang walang pag-aalinlangan (He always put others first—saving lives and protecting properties without hesitation),” said Jayson Santos, head of Fire and Rescue 723. “Isa siya sa pinakamasigasig at determinadong pamatay sunog at rescuer sa amin (He was one of the most dedicated volunteer rescuers we ever had), " Santos added.

Magpusao’s family expressed deep gratitude to Santos and to the entire Barangay San Roque emergency team for ensuring that Cristofer was honored as a hero—both in life and in death.