By Marisol Bo-oc | 06:05 PM July 21, 2025
PANGLAO – A Taiwanese child who nearly drowned while swimming in Panglao was safely flown back to Taiwan for further medical treatment, thanks to the swift assistance of airport police at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA).
At around 3:40 p.m. on Monday, July 21, Patrolman Alexis Mendez, general aviation officer and police aviation supervisor on duty, provided vital police assistance during the medical evacuation (MedEvac) of Chen Ming Yuan, a 6-year-old Taiwanese national from Taipei.
The child had previously been admitted to ACE Hospital after a drowning incident and was diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and non-fatal drowning. Following stabilization, Chen was airlifted via MedEvac Flight Medic78/VH-AND, an international medical evacuation aircraft, through Mactan-Cebu International Airport, accompanied by his parents.
The BPIA Police Station emphasized that acts of compassion and service like this are part of their ongoing commitment to providing inclusive, gender-sensitive, and people-friendly public service—regardless of race, nationality, or background.
“This is our way of gaining the trust and confidence of the community we serve and protect,” the station said in a statement, recognizing Patrolman Mendez’s role in ensuring the child’s safe departure and continued care.
