Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. believes divine intervention saved him and his companions from what could have been a fatal helicopter accident in Cebu last Friday, March 28.
In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the actor-politician held a thanksgiving Mass with his family at their home in Bacoor, Cavite on Sunday morning, March 30. According to a report from the Philippine Entertainment Portal, Revilla said he felt the presence and protection of the Sto. Niño during the incident.
The senator recounted that the chopper he was riding in encountered mechanical trouble mid-air when a stray saranggola (kite) got entangled in the helicopter’s tail rotor, forcing the pilot to execute an emergency landing.
While Revilla has had previous close calls while flying, he noted that this situation felt different. “Mabuti na lang at alerto ang piloto at agad naming nakita ang isang lugar kung saan may helipad,” he said. Fortunately, no one was harmed during the emergency landing.
What struck Revilla the most was that the helicopter landed in an area that turned out to be a private property or rest house—one he did not expect to see from above due to the surrounding mangroves. Even more striking for him was the presence of a chapel dedicated to the Sto. Niño.
“Siya ‘yong unang-unang nakita ko doon habang bumababa ‘yong chopper,” he said, referring to the image of the Holy Child. For Revilla, this was no coincidence but a miracle—a sign that he had been protected from harm.
“Pakiramdam ko, meron pa tayong gagawin, may misyon pa siguro tayo. Kaya nagpapasalamat tayo sa Panginoon na binigyan pa tayo ng… hindi pa ako kinuha. It’s not yet my time,” he said, clearly emotional as he reflected on the near-death experience.
The senator also expressed his thanks to the staff and residents of the area who rushed to assist them after the incident.
