Quick-acting cop saves toddler locked inside car in Isabela

Santa Maria, Isabela – A two-year-old child was successfully rescued by a responding police officer after being accidentally locked inside a car parked at a town market in Barangay Poblacion 1, Santa Maria, Isabela, on January 20, 2026.

According to a report from the Santa Maria Municipal Police Station, the toddler was left inside the vehicle for a short time while the grandmother went to buy vegetables at the market.

The grandmother told police that the car engine was running when her grandchild accidentally locked the doors, leaving the child trapped inside. The duplicate key was also left inside the vehicle.

People at the market noticed the situation involving the two-year-old and immediately reported it to the Santa Maria MPS for proper action. In response, Police Executive Master Sergeant Rolly Carinugan promptly arrived at the scene.

Through careful and professional measures, Carinugan successfully opened the vehicle, and the child was safely rescued without sustaining any injuries.

In a statement, Isabela Provincial Police Office Acting Provincial Director PCol. Manuel Bringas commended Carinugan for his swift response, as well as the residents who immediately alerted the police.

“Pinupuri natin ang mabilis at maayos na pagtugon ng ating kapulisan at ang pagiging mapagmatyag ng mga mamamayan. Paalala ito sa lahat ng magulang at tagapag-alaga na ang kaligtasan ng mga bata ay dapat laging inuuna,” Bringas said, as quoted in the Isabela PNP press release.

The Isabela PPO also reminded the public not to leave children unattended inside vehicles, even for a short period, as doing so may put them at serious risk.

“Nagpaalala naman ang kapulisan sa publiko na huwag mag-iwan ng mga bata sa loob ng sasakyan, kahit pa saglit lamang, upang maiwasan ang ganitong uri ng insidente. Patuloy ang PNP Isabela sa pagpapatupad ng mga hakbang upang maprotektahan ang buhay at kapakanan ng publiko, kasabay ng panawagan ng kooperasyon mula sa komunidad,” the Isabela PPO added.