When two angels cross paths

By Karen Pastor, Carmela Quidoles, and Isadora Romeral

It was on May of 2006 that the tragedy happened. While breastfeeding her youngest child, a
mother was brutally stabbed to death by a man who had come to collect payment for the
husband’s debts. Php500 was the amount that cost the lives of two and the separation of a
family.

On a quiet evening in Zamboanga Del Sur, while the father was out leaving his wife and their
three kids, the suspect stabbed the mother and one of the older children to death. Neighbors
say that the other child, a son, managed to escape.

The true miracle of this story is what the then one-month old daughter experienced. While
being protected by her mother, the knife hit the child on the wrist, striking a main artery.

The little girl was brought to the nearest surgical ward. There, she first encountered PO3
Edgardo Figuracion who was a nurse/police non-commission officer (PNCO). Originally a
nursing graduate from Manila, Figuracion was assigned in the Police Provincial Health Service
Office of Zamboanga Del Sur.

The father had come to the hospital but he claimed that he could no longer support the kid,
especially with her medical needs. He gave consent for his daughter to be taken in by a more
suitable family.

Many had intended on fostering the kid. But when they realized the expenses and work
involved in taking care of her, they all backed out leading to Figuracion eventually uttering a
joke on taking the child himself.

Four years have passed. Having just turned four years old last April 4, little Ezzeah now lives
with her new-found daddy, mommy, ate, and little brother. Her once limp, dangling right
hand is back in its proper form.

The orthopedic team of Philippine General Hospital has restored the sensation. She now has
the ability to use the little finger on her right hand to use a spoon.

Hopes are high that little Ezzeah’s healing will progress smoothly and for her right hand to be
fully functional.

Figuracion wishes to thank Mrs. Carla Ochotorena (wife of Zamboanga del Sur Provincial
Director P/Ssupt. Ramon Ochotorena), PNP Chief Jesus Versoza and his wife Mrs. Cynthia
Versoza, RD 9 Angelo Sunglao and his wife Mrs. Rose Sunglao, Chief Supt. Nick Bartolome,
people from the media and press, and the anonymous donors who continue to help Ezzeah.

Figuracion says that he will not hide the tragic story from his daughter. He will tell it when
she is of age and would let her meet her surviving kin if she chooses.

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 Little Ezzeah tries to comb her friend’s hair. Photo by Karen Pastor

Source

Interview with PO3 Edgardo Figuracion