ILOILO City – The city government has ordered an internal investigation into its emergency response system after the family of a 61-year-old man questioned the alleged delay in medical assistance, claiming responders waited nearly an hour before attending to him.
The investigation stems from the death of Freddie Porras, 61, of Sitio Pangpang, Barangay Guinobatan, Leganes, Iloilo who was found unresponsive in Barangay Balabago, Jaro district in the early hours of June 22.
Relatives alleged that personnel of the Iloilo City Emergency Responders (ICER) did not immediately provide medical intervention after being called to the scene at around 2 a.m.
They claimed responders waited for family members to arrive even after obtaining the victim’s identification and personal information and reportedly advised them to contact a funeral service after determining that Porras no longer had a pulse.
According to the family, Porras was attended to only after one of his children arrived about an hour later. He was subsequently declared dead.
In a statement issued Thursday, City Hall said it has taken the allegations seriously and has begun reviewing the incident.
“The city government is aware of the report regarding the response to a medical emergency,” the statement read.
The city government said initial information indicated that emergency responders first assessed the patient’s condition and attempted to contact his family before deciding on the next course of action.
“Concerns have been raised regarding the length of the process, and we are taking these seriously,” the city government statement further read.
The investigation aims to determine whether emergency response protocols were properly followed and identify areas where improvements are needed.
The city government assured the public that corrective measures would immediately be implemented if investigators uncover any lapses in protocol.
It reiterated that patient safety remains a top priority and pledged to ensure that emergency responders continue to provide efficient, professional, and responsible service.
“We extend our concern and sympathy to the family and assure the public of our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of our emergency medical services,” the statement added./PN
