Fallen heroes: Coast Guard trio killed in San Remigio Sports Complex collapse

• Three Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel were killed in the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu on September 30

• The fatalities were identified as Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman Jujay Mahusay, and Apprentice Seaman Ert Cart Dacunes

• They died when the San Remigio Sports Complex tragically collapsed while they were reportedly playing basketball

• The PCG expressed deep condolences, vowing full support to the families of the young men who were declared dead on arrival at the hospital

A wave of profound grief has struck the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) following the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that rocked the province of Cebu on the night of September 30.

The disaster claimed the lives of three young, promising coast guard personnel who were caught in the collapse of the San Remigio Sports Complex in northern Cebu.

The fatalities were identified by the PCG as Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, assigned to the Maritime Safety Services, and Apprentice Seamen Jujay Mahusay and Ert Cart Dacunes, who were undergoing training at the PCG Training Center in Masbate.

Reports from local authorities and the PCG indicate that the three uniformed men were participating in a basketball game, possibly part of the local Mayor’s Cup tournament, at the San Remigio Sports Complex when the intense tremor struck at approximately 9:59 p.m.

The powerful shaking caused the structural integrity of the gymnasium to fail almost instantly, trapping the personnel and others underneath the debris.

They were among the initial casualties in San Remigio town, which also tragically included a local firefighter and a child.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan confirmed the immediate response to rescue the trapped individuals.

Palomo, Mahusay, and Dacunes were swiftly pulled from the collapsed facility and rushed to the Bogo General Hospital for emergency medical attention.

Despite the strenuous efforts of the medical team, all three were declared dead on arrival due to the severity of their injuries sustained from the crushing weight of the collapsed structure.

The Commandant extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, acknowledging the profound loss for the service.

"Their unwavering dedication and the camaraderie they shared with their fellow men and women in uniform will forever be etched in our memory," Admiral Gavan stated.

He affirmed the PCG's commitment to standing in full solidarity with the families of the fallen and ensuring they receive comprehensive support during this difficult period.

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake, which originated offshore and struck at a shallow depth near Bogo, Cebu, caused widespread destruction across the northern parts of the province.

The catastrophic incident at the San Remigio Sports Complex serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and devastating force of nature.

As the total death toll in Cebu climbs higher, the nation mourns the untimely passing of these three young men who were dedicated to public service, even in their off-duty moments.

Their sacrifice, though accidental, underscores the ever-present risks faced by uniformed personnel.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories for all of the ordinary people in the country as today.

Marcelo Fernan Bridge withstood the magnitude 6.9 Cebu quake, showing no reported structural damage. Built in 1999 with Japanese engineering expertise, the bridge was funded by the Japanese government. Kajima Corporation constructed the bridge, with consulting from DCCD Engineering Corporation and Katahira & Engineers International. Designed for disaster resilience, the bridge now serves as a vital route for rescue and relief operations.

Magnitude 6.9 quake struck off Bogo City at 9:59 p.m., upgraded from initial 6.7, according to Phivolcs. Death toll rose to 35, with 30 in Bogo City and 5 in San Remigio, including a 10-year-old boy. Sports complex collapsed during a basketball game, killing Coast Guard and BFP members; rescuers still searching. Classes suspended and safety checks ordered, as Cebu faces power outages, communication cuts, and aftershock warnings.

Source: KAMI.com.gh