A Survivor’s Story

Advocacies, Military 645 comments

Lieutenant Colonel Fermin Carangan is the Commanding Officer of TOG 8, the Air Force unit tasked to provide air support for the islands of Samar and Leyte. On the morning of Friday, November 8, he and his troops were in their office near the Tacloban Airport on red alert, having been informed of an incoming Super-Storm named Haiyan (local name: Yolanda). Here’s how he narrated his ordeal to Lt Col Allan Taguba, as Haiyan unleashed her fury on the city of Tacloban on that fateful Friday morning.

We were out of the office at 6 am Friday observing. Winds brought by Yolanda were already strong around that time. We (the Air Force troops in Tacloban) were prepared for the possibility of rescue missions days before the expected landfall of Yolanda. Just before 7 am, the rains started to pour, so we took shelter.

2h28

Around the same time, we noticed that water was slowly entering our office, so we went out again. Then suddenly, we saw that the water was getting higher and higher, until we were forced to get up the ceilings of the building. We had to bore holes on the ceiling just to get up there, and I was the last one up.

Suddenly the building collapsed and I saw my men falling into the surging water and very strong winds. There was also no more roof on top of the building. I was able to hold on to a piece of wood – a truss which I forcibly removed just before I was taken by waves and the strong current.

More damage in Tacloban

I didn’t notice that my two junior officers were now gone. Both were fresh graduates from the PMA, and they were beside me before we were swallowed by the water. Then I saw one of my soldiers trying to hold on to an uncollapsed wall of another destroyed building. I tried to reach for him but the current was too strong and there was confusion and hysteria.

I was going farther and farther out into the sea and all I saw were tips of coconut trees starting to disappear into the swelling water. Suddenly, I saw a child hugging tightly to a floating coconut tree. By a stroke of luck, the current led me to the child, and I was able to pluck him from his very unfortunate situation. He then held on to the piece of wood I was myself holding on to. Then we floated until we were out there in the middle of nowhere.

This photo was taken as the storm neared Leyte.

At sea, we went through another hell. We were slapped by waves, great big waves from all directions. We were also toyed by swirling winds. And we couldn’t help but drink a lot of salt water. I was now getting so tired. And so was Miguel (the boy’s name). He was just 7 years old. Too young to die, I thought. I thought of my family. I prayed to God to take care of my wife and kids. I thought I’ve done to them what every father could – that is, to take good care of them.

I also thought of my men. Days before, I had told them to ensure the safety of their families, especially those in Tacloban since the city could be hit hard and everyone of us would be busy in the rescue missions after Yolanda. They might not have time to check on their families during the rescue. Then I thought of the two new graduates of PMA 2013. I thought that if something happened to me, at least I had been able to give professional and honorable service for a time. And that I’ve done enough since graduation. These two young guys were just starting and still have a very bright future ahead.

2h13

Then I looked at Miguel. He was trembling hard due to the cold. His very young body could not just cope up with the elements. He said, “Kuya, I will sleep now. I’m so tired already.” Then I thought, maybe I survived because of this child. Without him I could have given up. Maybe he’s the reason I’m still alive because God wants me to make sure this child will live. I shouted at Miguel’s ears: “Don’t sleep! You can do it. Look, we are near land already.” Then I pointed at what I thought was another wall of swell, just to lift the spirit of Miguel. And then I realized that it was indeed the shoreline!! I thought there really is a Powerful Being!

The two survived Storm Haiyan and the rough seas between Leyte and Samar during the onslaught of the typhoon. They floated around the bay near Tacloban airport and were eventually rescued along the shorelines of Basey, Samar at around 1pm the same day. They had been floating for around 6 hours before they were rescued. Basey and Tacloban are separated by the San Pablo and San Pedro Bay. The devastation they saw along the Basey shoreline is another story worth telling. Some of Lt Col Carangan’s men are still missing. These men were supposed to take part in the relief and rescue operations for Leyte and Samar. Alas, it turned out that they too would be the very victims to Haiyan’s wrath.

For more stories on Super-Typhoon Yolanda, pls visit:

(Photos courtesy of AFP, Reuters)

645 comments

  2. High respect to LtCol Fermin Carangan! Your courage and resilience is such an inspiration to us all! I hope the young boy (Miguel) is with his family or in good hands right now…

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  6. Sir, we are very proud of you. Not only a hero in physical but also a hero in spritual ‘ cause you prayed together with the child. And, you survived. We must be reminded GOD is alwys with us, just have faith in HIM. Take care and GOD bless, sir.

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  7. Hi Sir Charlie. Nice to see your blog. I hope our countrymen would recover fast after the devastation. I know Boy C as very reliable and highly respected Cavaliers around. Please extend my snappiest salute to him and his men.

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  8. Pingback: Pray for the Philippines | Vernacular Video Mission International

  11. thanks for sharing wt us the stories of the survivors LtCol Fermin Carangan and Miguel, and the PMA…. very inspiring as it gives us HOPE and Strength our Faith in God to survive… agree,the child was a heaven sent .. .

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  13. Reblogged this on In Transit and commented:
    It is heartbreaking to see photos and videos of the devastation brought about by Yolanda. But there are various ways we can help. Here are a few helpful links for those who wish to donate or volunteer:

    List by Rappler.com: http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/43300-reliefph-victims-typhoon-yolanda-help

    Unicef: http://donate.unicef.ph/campaign/24/typhoon-yolanda-emergency-appeal

    Philippine Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org.ph/

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  14. Pingback: PHOTOS: Typhoon-Ravaged Villages in the Philippines · Global Voices

  18. As I was reading this Survivor’s story. I was thinking that the boy “Miguel” is St. Michael the Arc Angel and he saved the life of Lieutenant Colonel Fermin Carangan (Miguel/Michael)…St. Michael the Arc Angel is the patron St. of Basey, Samar which both of them were rescued along the shoreline in BASEY.

    #GODblessU #itsGOD’swill #Lieutenant Colonel Fermin Carangan #Miguel #tindogBasay #St.Michael #basaynonkayataini!

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  19. Salute for you sir, You have touched our heart in some ways. Long live and hope you will recover soon so with Miguel. God Bless and our prayers goes to you and the other victims over there. Stay strong.

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  20. Sir may i ask if you’re related to M’ Witwit from Jollibee way back 90’s? This is Em Pamatian with the Eng’g Dept before. Convey my best regards to her. Such a great survival story of yours, worth sharing.

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      1. s’ best regards po kay m’wit – i salute your good deeds. your story inspire all of us. anu class po kayo sa academy?

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  21. May your Tribe increse Lt. Fermin Carangan. I salute you for this and May our Good Lord reward you for this heroic act. We also pray for your family as well as the goodness of union for Miguel to his family. Be Blessed!

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  22. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans8:28…God bless you Lt…may you always find God and direct all your ways…..Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding, In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path…

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  23. Pingback: A Survivor’s Story | Philippines News Exchange

  24. Ltcol, you are really a man of courage, my undying salute to you! Get well to both of you and miguel. long live, my beloved PILIPINAS!

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  26. Tear drops fall into my cheeks, I can’t imagine how you suffered with Miguel. But I think there is a reason why you were brought to the sea. It is to save Miguel in his young age, to be in that near-death situation. I pray for your safety and good health. May God bless you always sir! My Father was a retired AFP who passed away already and I am proud to say that you were born to become one of the Heroes of the nation. I salute you Sir!

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  28. This morning when I read your story “A Survivor’s Story”, I can’t keep my tears from flowing. I was deeply touched by the story, especially with that 7 year-old boy. As a mother, I can’t help not to think about that boy, how it would feel if Miguel was my son. Then I realized that we are lucky that we are away from that devastation, but my heart aches for every mother who lost their child/children. Their pain is unimaginable, I don’t even want to think about it. Also to all the people who lost their love ones…I hope God will soon heal their broken spirits and broken hearts. As I prayed for guidance on how I can help them, it dawned on me that I have an online candle business. With every candle that I sell, I promise that I will donate all my sales commission to the Philippines. It’s not a lot but every little thing helps our kababayan. I figure everybody can do the same. I would appreciate if you can share it, since you have a blog. The donors can become associates for FREE and start sharing it on their FB, or any social media. They can donate their commission as well. I would like to share with you my page: https://www.jewelryincandles.com/store/monaramsey

    Thank you so much for your time. I enjoyed reading the story.
    God Bless.

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  29. Allow me to re-post this.
    This is an icon of bravery, resiliency and faith. We hear & read stories of survival but this one penetrates the inner being of humanity. The power of existence gives more meaning when Hope took its way to the rough seas. Hope restores willfulness, the Will to survive.
    God was with them, to save them both for a mission. It depicts a father & a son. Lt. Col. F. Carangan, signifies his fatherhood & the boy represents the journey of his mission.
    Carry the torch Sir. You deserve our praise from every Filipino’s heart.. God bless you & your family..

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  30. You brought back my love, respect and admiration for the Filipino military leaders, something which was lost after martial law in the Philippines. Thank you for being a Christian, thank you for being a great military leader. I salute you. Happy Veteran’s day. To God be the glory!!!

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  32. Lieutenant Col. Carangan, Mabuhay po kayo!! I was crying while reading your story. There really is a POWERFUL BEING!! You survived because of the child, Miguel. God Bless you and we are as always indebted to your service.

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  36. I salute you,Officer Carangan. My son used to work in the Visayas but he came here before the storm. It meant a lot to me that God spared him from Yolanda’s wrath. I am praying that Miguel will find his family,all alive. Please keep us updated. Thanks! God bless you,sir!

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  38. A very tragic but heroic story that really happened, I salute you Lt col carangan, miguel and the rest of the troops who offer their lives for others. walang kapantay na kabayanihan at pagasa sa taas ang nagligtas sa inyo. GOD has other plans for you… GOD BLESS.

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  39. Dear sir,
    Nabasa ko po yung inyong hard experience proud to be have an officer like you. “GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES’.
    OFW po ako and very much proud of your guts and courage..

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  40. My snappy salute to you sir Carangan. God bless you and hope Miguel is doing well now. Moving and touching story indeed. May I repost this story sir. am retired WAC and used to be a assigned at Centcom and I would want to share this story to my friends here in New Zealand.

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  42. Reblogged this on J.Walking and commented:
    This is just one of the stories to have come out of Tacloban in central Philippines, which was battered by Supertyphoon Haiyan (local name, Yolanda). There are thousands of others.

    To take action, visit the Philippines Red Cross http://ushare.redcross.org.ph/ to help the people rebuild their lives after suffering such a harrowing tragedy.

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  43. Your a living hero,sir i salute you,you deserve and do the best to save life,a soldier defends life…lt.carangan best of best….

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  45. WOW! I am at loss of words. Very heart-warming that brought me tears of joy.I’m at some crossroad with my faith as a Christian. I am struggling with and asking a no. of questions.This story gives me a respite from my own struggles.Thank you for beautifully writing and sharing this story.

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  47. I salute you sir ..I am from tacloban and i know that from tacloban to basey samar is quite far..but still u survived by floating with this little kid..god works wonders …God bless you and God bless Tacloban. we will rise again

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  49. As per victims descriptions….

    TO PINOY MUST BE AWARE NOW
    ☆☆☆Share if you Care☆☆☆

    ABNORMAL WAVES

    Abnornal Waves occurence the perfect moment when two or maybe three effects of water disturbance collided each other in perfect area. This collision will cause to rise the water level due to this reaction. Abnormal Waves also occured in Southeastern coast of South Africa which the height of wave could reach 20 meters or more. Abnormal Waves may occur in any part of the world (reference The Mariners Handbook page 106 Ed. 2009).

    In Tacloban Abnormal Waves had occured, I presumed.

    1st water disturbance, the rising of water level plus the increased seaward current from the river or the San Juanico Straits due to heavy rains from the mountains.

    2nd water disturbance, in the storm surge obcurse there was an initial surge or disturbance that reach shore due to powerful Yolanda, this initial disturbance reach the coast and then bounch back to the sea or ocean which lies in pacific ocean. Bounch back or the counter effect has also certain considerable force which very posible because Tacloban is located in the mount of the bay which this initial surge has no other exit rather to counter its flow. Seaward flow.

    3rd water disturbance, Yolanda powerfull enough to generate more powerfull storm surge.

    Resonance of these three distubances which meet/collided in perfect moment, area and time formed a destructive Abnormal Waves

    REST IN PEACE TO ALL INNOCENT VICTIMS

    BE STRONG FOR THOSE WHO HAS LOST THEIR LOVE ONES

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