Tacloban's young hero given Boy Scout's highest award

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines has posthumously awarded its highest honor for bravery to one of its own.

- By MIRIAM DESACADA

Scout Chris Lorenz Fabian was conferred the Gold Gallantry and Heroism Award after he lost his life protecting his classmates during the shooting incident at San Jose National High School on June 22.

According to the BSP, the 15-year-old Grade 10 scout showed extraordinary courage in the final moments of the attack. Witness accounts said Chris rushed to close and block the classroom door to keep the shooter from entering.

“With unwavering courage and definitive resolve, he placed his own body directly in harm’s way, physically blocking the attackers to prevent their entry, and his split-second decision and resolute stand successfully shielded his teacher and classmates, absorbing the fatal assault," the award citation read.

His action bought critical time for his classmates to hide and stay safe.