If only the iconic Iron Man was real, he would have been ashamed to know that you don’t need a hi-tech suit to be a hero.
Erham Awaluddin, a 22 year-old Tausug from Barangay Bangkal, Talipao, Sulu, exemplifies heroism when it is needed most.
Working as a road construction worker on a seemingly regular Sunday, July 4, 2021, his transformation from being an ordinary lad to an extraordinary citizen would soon be unveiled.
Overshooting the edge of the runway a kilometer away from their construction site, a Philippine Airforce C-130 Hercules with tail number 5125 crashed within a few hundred meters from his location. Buzzing overhead before finally hitting the ground and erupting into a huge fireball, the plane had 96 souls onboard.
In an eerie moment, pleas for help were soon heard after the ground rumbled from the blast.
Without hesitation, Erhan rushed to the scene to help. Pulling out the survivors and tending to them, he was quick on his toes to help the stricken passengers, unmindful of the danger that lay within the burning plane debris – and the possibility of a larger explosion.
“Sumama na ako sa mga sundalo (na rumesponde) kahit hindi ko na kilala. Wala na sa isip ko ‘yun, gusto ko kasi tumulong sa mga tao,” Erham said.
Along with Erhan, CAFGUs [members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit] from Bangkal Detachment and other civilian volunteers also raced to the crash site within minutes, each helping the best way they could to save as many victims as possible.
An epitome of a Filipino soldier
Erham’s bold actions to be of service to others exemplifies a Filipino soldier. True enough, Erham is an aspiring Army applicant at the 11the Infantry Division stationed in Jolo, Sulu.
“…Kahit Kristiyano o Muslim man, hindi naman ako namimili ng tutulungan ko,” he said.
A man who extended help regardless of race or religion, and with actions having surpassed his words, Erhan, along with other civilian volunteers, has transformed the way some Filipinos have looked upon our Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao.
“Hindi po ako kinabahan, kase gusto kong tumulong sa mga tao,” Erhan added.
His actions proved that humanity does not look at religion or race – when we hear a cry for help, it is our heart and compassion that put us a cut above other beings.
Iron Man, meet Erham Awaluddin. A construction worker. A Herculean hero – An aspiring soldier. A Filipino worth emulating. No suits, no fancy Jarvis, just pure courage and determination…and yeah, Erham’s hairstyle totally nailed it. – (JTF Sulu, Capt. Ron JR Tendido Villarosa) – jlo
