Blind man walked home to Pampanga after losing job, not receiving aid

Having lost his job, and receiving no help, and still worrying about his family in Pampanga, a blind man decided to walk home to Pampanga. Fortunately, good samaritans helped him on his supposed long and dangerous journey.

Corinne Catibayan reported in GMA News “24 Oras” on Thursday, a blind man David Coper lost his job as a masseur in Quiapo due to the implementation of enhanced community quarantine.

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He stayed at his residence near the Plaza Miranda and claimed he did not receive cash aid within the 36 days since the ECQ started.

Because no help arrived and as he was also worried about his children and 83-year-old mother, Coper decided to go home in Pampanga, even if he just had to walk.

On Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., Coper began walking until he was seen by Ron Escaño on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.

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“Tinanong namin kung saan siya pupunta at sagot niya Pampanga. Wala raw tumutulong sa mga official sa barangay tapos tumutulong siya sa officials ng Manila ata, wala pa rin daw tulong na ibinibigay sa kanya,” said Escaño.

(We asked him where he was going and he replied Pampanga. He said no one gave him help, including the barangay and Manila officials.)

Since Escaño did not know where to take Coper, he just took his cellphone number and called him every hour to check his condition.

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To find someone else to help Coper, Escano decided to post Coper’s situation on social media.

And when Coper arrived at the Monument on Mac Arthur Highway around 10 p.m., authorities then assisted him.

The barangay spoke with police on the North Central Expressway to find Coper. He then rode at a soft drink delivery truck to travel from Valenzuela to San Fernando, Pampanga.

“Makakatulog na siguro ako. Palagi kong iniisip mga anak ko. ‘Di ako makatulog araw-araw, ma’am, eh. Hindi ako nakakatulog sa gabi, ma’am. Nag-aalala ako sa mga anak ko na paano na saka nanay ko na 83 years old,” said Coper.

(Now I can sleep. I always think of my kids. I can’t sleep every day. I don’t sleep at night, ma’am. I worry about my children and my 83-year-old mother.)

Coper thanked those who rescued and helped him arrive home safely.