1 month ago
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(UPDATE) ILOILO CITY — Two traffic enforcers in this city have died due to complications triggered by the extreme heat, the Transportation and Traffic Management Office (TTMO) confirmed on Tuesday.
TTMO head Uldarico Garbanzos said that the deaths were believed to be heat-related since both enforcers reportedly had existing ailments and were on medications.
The two enforcers were identified as Lester Paul Duran, who passed away on Feb. 23, and John Tulio Jr., who died on April 7.
Duran had served the city for six years while Tulio had been a traffic officer for 37 years.
Garbanzos said the soaring temperatures likely worsened their conditions, particularly as their duties required them to stay under the heat of the sun for extended periods.
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The first fatality, Duran, was assigned along Diversion Road in Mandurriao. He felt unwell while on duty and was admitted to a hospital for a few days before passing away.
Tulio, assigned in La Paz, similarly complained of illness during his shift and was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
In response, Garbanzos said the TTMO will be implementing a heat stroke break policy, allowing traffic enforcers to rest and take cover while on duty.
"We will implement what we call a heat stroke break. The heat stroke break reaches an extreme cautious level; they can take a shade, but they still have to be visible to the public to perform their duties," he said.
Heat breaks will be observed until the summer season is declared to be over, Garbanzos said.
The TTMO also reviews duty assignments to prioritize the health of personnel, particularly senior citizens and those with known illnesses.
Garbanzos said traffic enforcers with comorbidity are being reassigned to less congested and shaded areas.
"There are people who have been submitted to the personnel who have comorbidity and maintenance, and we will shift their duty hours to the afternoon," he said.
Garbanzos said the city government extended assistance to the families of the deceased enforcers.
Posthumous certificates of commendation were also awarded to the deceased traffic enforcers by the mayor.
The TTMO currently has 427 personnel, with 374 in the field, covering transport management and enforcement of local ordinances.
