INVESTIGATORS are looking into the deaths of two participants who allegedly succumbed to heat stroke during a Bukindaw X Santo Tomas Mountain Trail Ultra 2025 held in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, on Aug. 3, 2025.
The tragic incident occurred in Bukindaw, Purok Narra, Barangay New Visayas, involving two residents of Davao de Oro.
The Police Regional Office XI identified one of the casualties as Klent, 39, the husband of a mayor and resident of Purok 2, Cabinuangan, New Bataan, Davao de Oro, who failed to arrive at the finish line around 11:30, prompting a search.
He was found unconscious at approximately 3:30 p.m. and immediately transported by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to the Santo Tomas Medical Health Center, where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
In the same event, another participant, Eric, 33, a Sangguniang Bayan member of Montevista, Davao de Oro, collapsed while running at around 9 a.m. on Aug. 3. He exhibited symptoms such as vomiting and physical distress.
MDRRMO personnel conducted an emergency evacuation from the incident site, known as “Walang Hanggan” in Barangay San Jose, Santo Tomas, and brought him to the Municipal Health Center for initial medical intervention.
Due to the severity of his condition, the elected official was referred to the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at 10:01 a.m. on Aug. 4, by his attending physician.
The Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO), through the Santo Tomas Municipal Police Station, has launched a follow-up investigation to determine the full details and circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and we continue our investigation to assess the risks and prevent similar incidents in the future,” said Col. Alexander R. Serrano Jr., provincial director of DNPPO.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.”The DNPPO is coordinating with concerned agencies and the event organizers to verify the exact causes and to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
