Two male participants died from heat stroke during a trail run held on Sunday in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, authorities reported.
One of the victims was identified as Eric Joseph David Taping, 33, a councilor from Montevista, Davao de Oro. The other was Klent John Brua, 39, reportedly the husband of the mayor of New Bataan, although police have yet to confirm the relationship.
The victims joined a trail run on August 3 in Bukindao, Putok Narra, Barangay New Visayas. Brua failed to reach the finish line and was declared missing around 11:30 a.m. He was found unconscious at 3:30 p.m. and declared dead on arrival.
Taping collapsed during the run and was vomiting around 9:00 a.m. He was brought to a clinic, then admitted to the ICU of the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City. He was declared dead at 10:00 a.m. the following day, August 4.
The Davao del Norte Police are investigating the incident to assess safety risks and prevent similar occurrences in future events.
