ILOILO City – What was meant to be a night of camaraderie through sports turned into tragedy.
Three Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel, including an Ilonggo, were crushed to death as the San Remegio Sports Complex in northern Cebu collapsed during the magnitude 6.9 earthquake late Tuesday night.
The fatalities included Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, 29, of Barangay Gemat-y, Passi City, Iloilo.
Palomo, who had planned to return to Iloilo that same day, decided to stay in Cebu to join an interagency basketball tournament in Barangay Poblacion, San Remegio. He was also preparing to come home for the baptism of his eight-month-old child.
The other victims were identified as Apprentice Seaman Jujay Mahusay and Apprentice Seaman Ert Cart Dacunes. All three were rushed to Bogo General Hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
In an official statement, the PCG mourned the loss of its members.
“We deeply mourn the passing of our three Coast Guard members who died in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones in this difficult time,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
He also assured their families of full support.
“The PCG will extend all necessary assistance to their families. Their service and sacrifice will always be remembered,” Gavan added.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene immediately after the collapse, but the powerful tremor had already caused severe structural failure that proved fatal to the Coast Guard personnel.
In Passi City, grief gripped Palomo’s family and neighbors as they mourned the death of a young father whose life of service was cut short./PN
