NORTHERN SAMAR — An act of honesty and civic responsibility is gaining attention in Northern Samar after a lost travel bag was safely returned to its rightful owner, highlighting that integrity still thrives even in the simplest of everyday situations.

According to a report by the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC), a resident identified as Cristina Sharpe of Barangay Magtaon, Mapanas accidentally left her black travel bag on top of her vehicle while traveling on December 14. Unaware that the bag had fallen off along the highway, Sharpe only realized the loss later and feared it might never be recovered.

The following afternoon at around 4:00 p.m., 53-year-old farmer Pobleo Narca of Barangay Oleras, Laoang, Northern Samar discovered the bag by the roadside. Instead of keeping or ignoring it, Narca safeguarded the item. His sense of responsibility became even more evident when his son later saw a police post on social media regarding a missing bag. Without hesitation, the family coordinated with authorities and surrendered the bag, which was officially returned to Sharpe at around 7:30 a.m. on December 15.

In recognition of his upright conduct, Narca was awarded a Certificate of Commendable Laoanganon Values and a cash incentive by the local government of Laoang, led by Mayor Charlene L. Ongchuan. The Laoang Municipal Police Station (MPS) also presented him with a Certificate of Commendation.

Beyond the feel-good nature of the story, the incident opens a broader discourse on values in society. In an age often dominated by stories of crime, scams, and dishonesty, Narca’s action stands as a powerful reminder that moral choices still matter. His decision did not stem from wealth, authority, or obligation, but from character. This simple yet meaningful act reinforces the idea that community trust is built through everyday decisions. When honesty is recognized and celebrated, it encourages others to act with the same integrity—proving that good values, when practiced, can still travel faster than bad news. (Larawan: Laoang Municipal Police Station (MPS) / Facebook)