The 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30 killed four uniformed personnel. One was FO2 Allier Vincent Catadman of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), 31, who was assigned to the San Remegio Fire Station. He died while responding to the disaster at the San Remegio Sports Complex.
Three Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel were also killed: Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman Jujay Mahusay, and ASN Ert Cart Dacunes. These two soldiers were brought to the Bogo General Hospital but were also declared dead.
The BFP and PCG expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased. According to PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, the agency is ensuring that full support is provided to the families of their personnel.
The quake killed at least 60 people and injured 154, according to the Office of Civil Defense. Cebu province declared a state of calamity and many of its major infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and historic churches, were damaged.
Despite the tragedy, the deployment of more PCG personnel and other uniformed workers continues to assist in rescue efforts in Cebu.
