A 15-year-old Boy Scout who helped protect his classmates during the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City has received the Boy Scouts of the Philippines’ highest bravery honor.
Chris Lorenz Fabian, a Grade 10 scout, was conferred the Gold Gallantry and Heroism Award after he rushed to close and block a classroom door as an armed assailant approached. His action helped protect his teacher and around 30 classmates.
The shooting claimed the lives of three students and left 20 others injured following an attack involving two Grade 9 students.
The BSP said Fabian’s decision prevented immediate entry into a room occupied by his classmates and helped give students time to hide.
BSP-Leyte Council earlier recognized Fabian in a resolution, saying he “displayed exceptional courage and presence of mind when he swiftly closed the door of their classroom as an armed assailant approached.”
“His actions undoubtedly contributed to the protection and preservation of human life and serve as a shining example of valor, responsibility, and commitment to the welfare of others,” the resolution stated.
BSP leaders visited the Fabian family in Tacloban to present the medal and certificate and offer condolences. The Gold Gallantry and Heroism Award is the BSP’s highest recognition for a scout who risks his life in the service of others.
“He acted not as a boy afraid, but as a scout who lived by the Scout Law: A scout is brave, loyal and helpful to others at all times,” BSP officials said.
The other students who lost their lives were Joyancee Separa, 15, a Grade 10 student, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo, 14, a Grade 9 student.
Pampanga also honored Fabian as the “Pride of Pampanga” in a resolution, citing his “extraordinary courage, selflessness and noble sacrifice.” The recognition was tied to his family’s Kapampangan roots, with his parents originally from Barangay Lourdes in Minalin and Barangay Dau in Mabalacat City.
Fabian’s story has since become one of the clearest acts of courage remembered from the Tacloban school attack, with his name now carried by his family, his school, the scouting community and the classmates he helped protect by standing at the door.
