Man survives falling, getting trapped under a bridge in Ortigas Extension

A man reported missing after falling into a river in Ortigas Avenue Extension in Cainta, Rizal at the height of Tropical Storm Enteng was found alive after 12 hours. 

According to Carlo Mateo's report on Super Radyo dzBB, Randy was collecting garbage when he slipped, fell into the river, and swept away by raging waters.

Rizal Rescue informed Super Radyo dzbbBB last Monday that Randy was missing after he sank with the garbage and never resurfaced.

The Rizal Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Philippine Coast Guard were also informed of Randy's disappearance.

But after 12 hours, the garbage collector emerged safe and alive. He said he was trapped under the bridge.

"Noong una talaga kinabahan po ako, talagang hindi ko na po alam ang gagawin ko, takot na takot ako pero pinaglabanan ko na lang 'yung takot ko kasi para maka-survive ako. Talagang nagdasal na lang po ako noong huling huli na. Lahat ng kapitang bagay na [hinahawakan ko] nalalaglag po eh," Randy said.

( At first I was really nervous, I really didn't know what to do, I was very scared but I just fought my fear so that I could survive. I just prayed when it seemed too late. Everything that [I held on to] fell off.)

"Kaya no choice na ako na, 'Diyos ko, katapusan ko na po ba? Kung katapusan ko na, patawarin mo ako Lord.' Dasal na lang ang pinanghahawakan ko kasi wala na, walang nakaririnig sa akin saka ang dilim," he continued.

(So I have no choice, 'My God, is this my end ? If this it forgive me Lord.' All I held on to was prayer because there's nothing left, no one can hear me and it's dark.)

According to Randy, he stayed under the bridge amid the dark, while no one heard his shouts and only drifting garbage were present.

He said he picked up a piece of wood which he used for support. He also got a piece of iron and tied his clothes to it to avoid getting carried and swept away by the waters.

When the waters subsided, he reached out with his foot to check if he could manage to go down.

"Noong makakita na ako ng liwanag, doon na ako nag-decide kasi lahat ng sinandalan ko, nalaglag na, tinangay na ng ilog," he said.

(When I saw the light, that's when I decided because everything I leaned on, fell, was swept away by the river.)

"Masayang masaya po ako hindi ko po maipinta 'yung nararamdaman ko kasi pangalawang buhay ko na. Parang, 'Lord, salamat po na hindi Ninyo ako pinabayaan.' Wala akong pinanghawakan kundi Diyos na lang, Diyos lang talaga 'yung kakampi ko," he added.

(I'm so happy, I could not fully express what I feel because it's my second life. It's like, 'Lord, thank you for not abandoning me.' I held onto nothing but God, God was my ally.)

After Randy came out, he saw his wife and relatives who seemed to have given up hope of finding him.

"Nagulat pa nga siya noong makita niya ako. In-expect niya wala na, lahat ng pamilya ko in-expect kasi 12 hours na akong nawawala, 'missing' na ako," he said.

(She was even surprised when she saw me. She did not expect to see my again, all of my family expected it because I had been gone for 12 hours, I'm already 'missing.') —Jamil Santos/AOL, GMA Integrated News