the National Radio Network, an attempt to assassinate him was made by means of a hand grenade thrown at the President. The deadly missile landed on the speaker’s platform and rolled towards the center of the late President Roxas and other ranking government officials. In spite of the inevitable explosion and its lethal results, General Castañeda, then Chief of the Constabulary, in complete disregard of his personal safety, rushed from his seat behind the President’s chair to the lethal weapon which was about to explode, and with extraordinary coolness and presence of mind ordered the people to lie down and then kicked the death-dealing grenade down the steps of the platform where it exploded. His presence of mind and display of exemplary courage and bravery in the timely disposal of the lethal grenade saved the life of the First President of the Philippines and those of his family and other higher ranking officials of the Republic, who at that moment, were all with him on the platform.." Death Mariano Castañeda died in New York City at the age of 77 on 8 September 1970, leaving behind his wife and six children. References Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs (Philippines) Armed Forces of the Philippines Medal of Valor Recipients of the Philippine Medal of Valor Philippine Army personnel Philippine Constabulary personnel 1892 births 1970 deaths People from Imus Philippine Military Academy alumni Quirino administration personnel