3 died, 1 critical due to cardiac arrest

CEBU -- (Updated) -- As elections is near to closing, a total of 4 voters have suffered cardiac arrest inside the voting centers in different parts of Cebu, three died while one is in critical condition.

Terry Tañeza, 46, was waiting for her turn to vote in Bagongbuhay Elementary School, Barangay Carreta when she suffered from cardiac arrest at 7:50 a.m. reportedly due to the extreme heat, said Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairperson of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Personnel of Cebu City’s Emergency Medical Service tried to revive her but she did not survive.

Rosita Abrigada, 59, also suffered cardiac arrest inside the Camputhaw Elementary School. Emergency responders brought her to a hospital in Cebu City where she is being treated.

Meanwhile, a 62-year-old man suffered heat stroke caused by highblood, just right after he finished voting at Estaca Elementary School, Compostela.

Another voter, Teoderica Castillo who is 57 years old, of Sitio Sansan, Barangay Maño, San Remigio collapsed due to heat stroke upon leaving the polling precinct.

Paulino Castillo, 57, and his wife Teodorica Castillo, 57, arrived at Maño Elementary School at 3:30 p.m. today. The couple were able to cast their votes past 4 p.m. Paulino said he assisted his wife in shading the ballots.

Afterwards, Teodorica went out of the precinct. Paulino then cast his votes. While he was about to finish, he heard noise outside the precinct. He went out and saw his wife being helped by other voters.

They rushed Teodorica to Bogo Provincial Hospital, where the attending doctor declared her dead on arrival.

Paulino regretted that they went to the school when the sun was still up. "Kon mahibaw-an pa mahitabo ni, maay pag wala na lang mi mamotar, (If we knew, we would not have voted)," said Paulino.

Teodorica suffered her first heart attack sometime in 2013. In their 30 years as couple, Paulino said they never miss the elections.

Earlier, Tumulak advised voters to drink plenty of water and eat before they go to the voting centers. Some polling places have poor ventilation so voters should bring a damp washcloth that they can wipe themselves with when it gets too hot, he said.

“They have to bring water, bring their sunglasses or hat, and a damp cloth that they can use to wipe their face because it’s too hot out there in the voting centers and even in polling places. I advise the voters to drink plenty of water and eat before they go out,” he told Sun.Star Cebu. (Sun.Star Cebu/Kevin Lagunda/Garlie Gee Paradiang - CNU Intern)