Image credit- GMA NETWORK
A 23-year-old Philippine Navy candidate lost his life in a terrible event that happened on Thursday night at the construction site of the new Senate building in Taguig City. After Taguig City police made the finding public on Friday, an inquiry was launched right after.
Originating from Maguindanao del Sur, the deceased had been living at the Naval Intelligence and Security Force located in Fort Bonifacio. Around 7 p.m. on Thursday, the victim was last seen entering the Senate building through Gate 1 according to a witness who was also residing at the same Navy facility.
After the witness reported the incident, security personnel discovered the young guy still on the ground some hours later. The person reportedly fell from the work site, according to the first police reports, although it’s still unclear exactly how the tragedy happened.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called for a thorough investigation and a review of security measures at the construction site. “It is with deep sorrow and concern that we confirm the tragic incident that occurred last night involving an individual who fell from the construction site of the Senate building along Chino Roces Ave. Extension, Brgy. Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City,” Senate spokesperson Atty. Arnel Jose Bañas said in a statement.
Bañas further mentioned discrepancies in the reported timeline, citing information from the onsite security team and the Southern Police District. Contrary to the initial report by Taguig police, the victim allegedly slipped into the construction area around 9 p.m. and was found near the north tower at approximately 10 p.m.
“The Senate is taking this matter very seriously. We extend our full support to the ongoing investigation to find out the actual circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” Bañas stated, also extending condolences to the victim’s family and friends. To prevent future incidents, security measures at all entrance and exit points, as well as facade barriers, are being re-evaluated and tightened.
In a separate announcement, the Philippine Navy confirmed the victim was a civilian kitchen staff member at the Bonifacio Naval Station, in the process of applying to join the Navy. “The deceased was a working staff of one of the dining facilities inside BNS and was in the process of applying to become a member of the Philippine Navy,” Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos stated.
The Navy has also launched its investigation into the incident. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. The Philippine Navy is ready to assist all those affected by this tragic event and will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies during the conduct of the investigation,” Alcos added.
The sudden death of the Navy applicant has prompted swift action from both the Senate and the Navy, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols at the construction site to prevent future tragedies.