Mandaue honors fallen volunteer

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Council has posthumously honored a 19-year-old volunteer firefighter and emergency responder who died earlier this month, recognizing his dedication and selfless service to the community.

During its regular session on Monday, July 27, the City Council approved a resolution expressing its profound commendation and posthumous recognition to Earl Alexis "Delta 1" Temblon for his exceptional service as a volunteer firefighter and emergency responder.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Carlo Fortuna and unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, cited Temblon's unwavering commitment to public safety and community service.

Temblon served with the Ibabao-Estancia Fire Brigade and as an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responder for the Opao Emergency Response Team.

The council described him as a young volunteer who consistently responded to calls for assistance regardless of the time or circumstances. It noted that he took part in firefighting operations, medical emergencies, and disaster response missions, often entering hazardous areas to help protect lives and property.

The resolution also recognized Temblon for exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism by rendering selfless service without expecting compensation or recognition, earning the respect of fellow responders from the United Mandaue Fire Responders and the wider emergency response community.

The City Council said his untimely death left behind a legacy of courage, dedication, and sacrifice that continues to inspire his family, fellow responders, and the people of Mandaue City.

During the session, Temblon's father, Earl Anthony Temblon, became emotional as he accepted the recognition on behalf of the family and recalled his son's passion for volunteer work.

“Grabe gyud iyang dedication as a fire volunteer,” the elder Temblon said.

He said his son balanced his volunteer duties while pursuing a degree in criminology. According to him, Temblon began serving as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16, with the family fully supporting his interests, including volunteer work, sports, and weekend motorcycle rides.

“Bata pa kaayo akong anak pero namatay na. Lisod pagdawat pero unsaon nga nahitabo naman,” he said.

Temblon died in the early hours of July 9 after figuring in a motorcycle crash in Barangay Sabang, Danao City.

In a separate interview on Monday, Danao City Police Office chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Henrix Bancoleta said the investigation confirmed that Temblon died in a motorcycle accident, debunking social media claims that he had been stabbed.

Bancoleta said the autopsy showed that Temblon sustained severe blunt-force injuries to the head and trunk, including a vascular skull fracture, brain hemorrhage, and massive internal bleeding caused by abdominal trauma.

“Among gisubay ang CCTV, wala gyud mi nakita nga nadunggaban siya,” Bancoleta said, explaining that investigators waited for the medico-legal findings before concluding the investigation.

“Wala gyud mi nakita nga gidunggab siya based sa among evidence nga among na-gather ug sa forensic report ug CCTVs nga among gisubay,” he added.

Based on closed-circuit television footage, Bancoleta said Temblon was among about 10 motorcycle riders traveling northbound. Investigators found that the group was speeding when they caught up with another rider. Upon reaching Barangay Sabang, Temblon's motorcycle collided with a slower-moving motorcycle, resulting in the fatal crash.

“Ang nakit-an namo sa CCTV, naa silay nakagitgitan nga usa ka rider, ug didto nahitabo ang disgrasya kay paspas man sad ilang dagan,” he said.

Bancoleta said the fatal injuries were caused by the impact of the collision. Following the crash, Temblon's motorcycle caught fire after leaking fuel was ignited by electrical sparks.

He added that no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incident.

“Wala kay based sa among investigation ug evidence nga among nakuha, ang iyang pagkamatay is accident,” Bancoleta said. — (FREEMAN)