In a tragic incident on October 23, Barangay Villa chief Fernando Tibuc succumbed to suffocation while participating in an excavation at Sitio Paribalat, located in Barangay Dungeg, Santa Teresita, Cagayan. The unfortunate event unfolded while Tibuc was accompanied by his father, Dionisio Tibuc, and local resident William Pelaez, all of whom lost consciousness during the digging process.
The situation was reported at approximately 4 p.m. when Emerson Aleste, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) officer, received a call from Sangguniang Bayan member Orlando Bareng Jr., alerting him to the emergency. Aleste promptly verified the report with the barangay captain of Dungeg, leading to the formation of a response team that included personnel from the local police station, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Marine Battalion Landing Team 10, and Rescuer 3512, who rushed to the site.
Upon arrival, the rescue teams immediately initiated operations. Fire Marshal Adrian Ferry sought assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection’s Special Rescue Force from Region 2. The first individual to be rescued was Dionisio Tibuc, who was promptly transported to the Alfonso Ponce Enrile Memorial District Hospital. Following initial treatment there, he regained consciousness and was subsequently moved to the Grupo Medico De Dios Hospital for further care.
The search for Fernando Tibuc continued until around 8 p.m., when he was retrieved by rescue teams. Despite efforts to revive him through cardiopulmonary resuscitation during transport to the hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival by the attending physician. Initial investigations indicate that the cause of death was likely suffocation, with reports confirming that no landslides or other physical collapses occurred at the excavation site.
Meanwhile, Pelaez, the third participant in the excavation, was successfully rescued, but no specific medical information regarding his condition has been released at this time. Authorities are awaiting further details regarding the digging activity that led to this unfortunate incident.
This event highlights the significant risks associated with deep excavation work, particularly in rural settings where ventilation may be inadequate. Low oxygen levels, coupled with the potential presence of suffocating gases, can create dangerous conditions for workers in confined spaces. Local disaster management teams emphasize the need for specialized equipment and careful planning during rescue operations, given the unique hazards posed to both victims and rescuers in such scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the death of Barangay Villa chief Fernando Tibuc?
Fernando Tibuc allegedly died due to suffocation while digging a deep hole during excavation work in Barangay Dungeg.
Who was present during the excavation incident?
Fernando Tibuc was with his father, Dionisio Tibuc, and another resident, William Pelaez, during the excavation when the incident occurred.
What actions did local authorities take following the incident?
Local authorities quickly formed a response team comprised of various agencies, including the police and fire protection units, to assist in rescue efforts.
Reporting by Yangs for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.