A heartwarming dashcam video of a driver stopping in traffic to rescue a stray cat from beneath a sports utility vehicle has gone viral among Filipinos.
Automotive publication VISOR posted a video submitted by Tomi Angelo, which was taken on the morning of February 23, Monday, at an undisclosed location.
Angelo said the driver of a Suzuki Jimmy alighted from his vehicle and “went down to get the stray kitten from under the Fortuner.”
“Sakto red light din. May mga good people pa sa mundo na ‘to,” he added.
The footage shows a man looking under the Toyota Fortuner and reaching for something, which later turned out to be a stray cat.
An older man appeared in the frame, presumed to be the SUV’s driver.
The Jimny driver handed the stray animal to his passenger before returning to his seat.
The video has garnered 310,000 views, 9,800 likes and reactions, 306 shares and nearly 230 comments from Facebook users, with some praising the Jimny driver for his gesture.
“Kindness to animals shows a person’s true character. Respect,” an online user commented.
“I hope this serves as an eye-opener to all drivers here. These kitties and doggies deserve to live and not be run over… Thanks, Jimny driver,” another Pinoy wrote.
“Sana more will be considerate! May buhay ang strays! May buhay ang animals! Find goodness sa puso niyo na mag-slowdown para sa kanila!” a different Facebook user commented.
“Thank you for your kindness, Sir. Winner ang universe dahil merong kagaya mo. May the favor return to you a thousand folds!” another said.
Drivers are often reminded to “brake for animals” or slow down whenever they see stray cats, dogs or other animals on the road instead of running them over.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has urged motorists to “always drive with care and compassion.”
“Every driver has the power to prevent another tragedy. A little more care and a little more compassion on the road can mean the difference between life and loss for them,” it previously said.
“Let’s always remember the importance of road safety and choose kindness behind the wheel. Let’s continue to work together to make our roads safer for everyone, humans and animals alike. Slow down. Stay alert. Brake for animals,” PAWS added.
