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

  1. Sir Carangan, thank you for sharing your survival story. your heroic attitude in the midst of seemingly insurmountable storm is indeed exemplary. i think, from your story, as long as it is for the good of others, God honors and rewards the never-give-up attitude. May God bless you sir and Miguel and both families, and grant peace to the departed.

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  2. An officer and a soldier at its finest hour! Sir you have displayed the trait of a fine officer.you have showed an uncommon and keen sharpness of mind under unforeseen circumstances. A true leader leading from the front. As a fellow veteran soldier (ret) to a fine officer, I SALUTE YOU! SEMPER FIDELES. HOOYA.

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  3. Way to not give up and save young Miguel…you both must realize your place in God’s plan…what’s the best way for me to donate. ?

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    1. hi, bob! you can go to the abs-cbn foundation or the gma foundation or to any bank in the philippines that have set up donation systems. if you’re abroad, there are fund transfer systems for this. thanks again.

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  4. sir, you are one of the few good men – you brought back my respect to the military who was and is highly politicized now a days.

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    1. I heard this story too over DZRH and DZMM and I praised God that Col. Fermin Carangan lived to tell this story of inspiration. Mabuhay po kayo and please inspire more Filipinos thru your help, good deeds and inspiration. Filipinos we’ll be able to overcome these trials through our prayers, lending hand to one another and oneness to survive. Philippines is a beautiful country and blessed by God! We just need to hang on! Things happen for a reason! The GREATER the DIFFICULTY, the GREATER the GLORY! Reach hard!

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      2. Col.Fermin Carangan, you are a beautiful soul… May God remember your good deed in saving our sweet little Miguel.. i hug you in my spirit from a distance… Miguel may you grow up to be a life saver and Peace Maker wherever you will be.

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  6. it melts my heart hearing this story of a one child of God! Hope the Seal of the Living God can reach each family wherever so God’s protection will be given to everyone. My prayers for Lt. Carangan and the boy’s recovery.

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  7. Naluha naman ako while reading this story of survival. Saludo po ako sa inyo sir 🙂

    God gives the toughest battle to His strongest soldiers. Basta kapit lang po kay Lord at huwag bibitw. Sama-sama po tayong babangon at aahon sa matinding pagsubok na ito.

    God Bless the Philippines!

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  8. True to your uniform Sir.. Everybody is a victim of yoling. Though you were deprived of saving the people as was your mission, you saved one life and not everybody had this chance. God bless you Col. and thanks for saving the boy. Everything is God’s will so we must entrust ourselves to God. He will not abandon those who call on Him. and probably you did during that time.

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  9. Your wife & kids need you very much that’s why God gave you a 2nd chance to live. I salute you for your courage and willingness to serve! God bless you more!

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  12. my tears flowed while reading your account on Yolanda. But what melted my heart most was the helped you extended to the little boy Miguel. What will happen to him now? I hope and pray somebody will take care of him if none of his family is alive. Maybe you can have him and nurture him like a son. In the future he will remember you and do what you did to him to others….God bless you.

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  13. I always believe in miracle,as long as u have strong FAITH w/ d Lord,…..can’t help but shed tears, mixed emotion of sadness & yet a smile as u both survived. Miracle did happen to both of you.
    Very few r chosen,you & Miguel received a 2nd life, God bless u more, Lt.Colonel Caringan, for saving a young 7 yr old boy.
    My prayers to all d victims…
    May we all live not just by praying but sincerely following d words of God.

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  15. My snappiest salute to you, Sir. You have lived up to the noblest tradition of a good soldier, an officer and a gentleman. Your heroic deeds is worthy of emulation. I recommend that the higher headquarters will initiate a corresponding award for your efforts. God bless our men in uniform!

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  16. Sir, congrats! and indeed, thanks that in the midst of your own perilous situation, you still prayed for others. that is a saving grace. for me, kami na andito sa MM but with my relatives from Tacloban City who have not contacted us yet…may it be an eye opener, kasi ang bagyong inyong pinagdaanan ay isang pagmumulat din sa aming “bagyo” whereas the waters, the winds, and raging seas were your tormentors, some “high-hat” (a visayan monicker) here lambasted at the lowly. kay raming mensahe ang bagyo para sa aming hindi binagyo. But in all these, we know, we all believe that GOD IS WATCHING US!…HE KNOWS what is in our hearts. HE SEES every evil and good we go to his lowly ones…and one day, soon, just like the furious YOLANDA, one has to reckon with HIM. May we survive, just like you, Sir> THANKS FOR THE LESSONS OF YOUR STORY.

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  18. the most resilient people in the world taking on the most powerful typhoon in the history of mankind and this story is a testament of it … i am having goosebumps as i read and type this reply … hats off to you sir …

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  19. Glad to know that there are still heroes around. Mabuhay po kayo sir and all those in the military who do not shirk from their duties despite the inconvenience and the dangers!

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  20. Reblogged this on when daisuke do blogging and commented:
    Yeah, to all who helped my country Philippines which is now facing this catastrophe…Thank you so much and Please continue to #prayforphilippines it is worth more than money… people need comfort and hope in their hearts that were wrecked with fear and sorrow….

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  21. We salute you sir for your courage . God has a plan for you . Rom. 8:28 ” 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.” May God bless you, Miguel and to your families.

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  22. Pingback: Post-Yolanda: wrestling with the aftermath | Ordinary Weather

  24. hindi ko mapigilan ang aking luha habang binabasa ang karanasang ito na habang nasa labis na panganib ay kaligtasan pa rin ng kapwa ang nasa puso. salamat sa Panginoon sa iyong pusong mapaglingkod at mahabagin na nailigtas c miguel sa tiyak na kamatayan. sana ay ma-follow- up mo pa kung ano na ang nangyari kay miguel matapos ang trahedya…Maraming salamat sa iyong katatagan at pusong may pagmamahal… HINAHANGAAN KA NG BUONG MUNDO SA IYONG GINAWA…. BAYANI KA!!!! WE SALUTE YOU, LT COLONEL CARANGAN….

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  26. so heartbreaking yet so inspiring, this experience of Col. Caringan teaches us the value of selflessness even in our most trying times.

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  34. Thanks for this poignant story. Now I have more understanding as to what really happened behind the scenes and will be more cautious in my “wondering” where were the supposed rescuers. In this case they were also victims themselves making it harder to help when Yolanda unleashed her power . There are more Lt. Carangan’s out there with similar stories and I know that their self sacrifice have saved many. Godspeed.

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  35. Pingback: A Survivor’s Story | memorazon

  37. God bless you Lt. Col. Fermin Carangan! Praying for your fast recovery and for Miguel to be in good hands now. God is still greater than all these. And, true…there is really a Powerful Being! Just on hold to your faith!

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  46. i salute you Lt. coronel Fermin Carangan, i miss my nephew whos also newly pma grad.2013, i know he can do also what you did to the 7 y/o boy God bless us all…

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  47. Sometimes in tragedy we find our life’s purpose – the eye sheds a tear to find its focus. -Robert Brault –
    You’re an inspiration, Sir!

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  48. This is a heartwarming story especially coming from our military that has not had so much worth-mentioning good achievements particularly from some of its leaders. Lt. Col. Carangan continue your good deeds and may your example serve as the model for the rest of our AFP.

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  49. sir, i salute u for being brave in facing the devastating typhoon yolanda…you helped the boy to survive… perhaps he’s an angel in disguise… for u to stay awake and strong for your family and your people…it only means one thing…that the Lord has a plan for u… that’s y he gave u a second chance to live…again i salute u, sir for being brave!!! God Bless Lt. Col. Fermin Carangan.. Mabuhay po kayo!!!

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