A POLICE officer died while participating in the Run 7-Eleven on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.
The victim was identified as Patrolman Lee Rodrocks Sardiva Carbonilla, a member of the Technical Support Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 7 who was detailed at the Regional Headquarters Support Unit at PC Hills in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.
According to initial investigation, Carbonilla suddenly collapsed while on the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway at 4:58 a.m.
Col. Ronan Claravall, head of the RMFB 7, said his personnel rushed the 31-year-old to the Cebu City Medical Center where he was declared dead on arrival.
The attending physician said he died of acute decompensated heart failure or a heart attack.
Claravall described Carbonilla as an athletic person who was not new to fun runs.
“Lagi siyang sumasama sa mga ganyang activity kagaya ng fun run. Scout ranger kasi yan so malakas ang pangangatawan,” he said.
(He always participated in activities like fun runs. He was a scout ranger so he had a strong body.)
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesman of the Police Regional Office 7, urged all police personnel who join marathons or any other type of strength training to prepare properly.
He said they monitor the health of all Philippine National Police members in the region, adding that they provide medicines to those with ailments.
Carbonilla’s death prompted Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon to call for an investigation.
“The tragic incident necessitates the need to inquire into the sufficiency of a screening process for the health and fitness of participants to withstand the rigors of such marathons to prevent premature loss of life,” he said.
He said he will submit a resolution on this matter on Monday, Feb. 6.
The city official also wanted to know the adequacy of the response of emergency medical services during the race.
Participants of fun runs and marathons are usually required to sign waivers releasing organizers of liability in case something untoward happens during the activity. (AYB, IRT / PJB)