Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez honored a food delivery driver on Monday, February 26, for his heroic deed that led to the disarming of a mentally ill woman brandishing a bladed weapon on Valentine’s Day.
The mayor gave Arnold Malba a certificate of appreciation for his deed and a reward of P50,000 from his personal funds.
Benitez commended Malba for going the extra mile to help.
The mayor said honoring Malba is part of his “Be the Change” program that recognizes good deeds by ordinary citizens.
Malba is a former security guard and Overseas Filipino worker who now works as a Maxim food driver.
He helped law enforcers subdue the mentally ill woman at the Circumferential Road in Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City, on Valentine’s Day.
After the incident Malba left not expecting any recognition for his deed. However, when a video of his deed went viral the mayor had him tracked down.
The mayor said the city government is purchasing stun guns for the Bacolod police to deal with similar situations.*