Mandaue Officials Refute Claims of 30-Minute Response Delay in DSWD Beneficiary Death
Officials in Mandaue City have strongly denied allegations that there was a 30-minute delay in the response of first responders to the death of a 31-year-old beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This rebuttal is based on an initial review of CCTV footage from the Opao Gymnasium, where the incident occurred on March 11.
Mayor Orders Investigation into Incident
Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano has called for an immediate investigation to ascertain the true sequence of events following widespread rumors that emergency personnel were slow to assist the victim, who had fainted inside the gym. The mayor has tasked City Legal Officer Atty. Erwin Rommel Heyrosa to lead this inquiry, aiming to clarify the timeline and address the accusations thoroughly.
CCTV Footage Reveals 10-Minute Response Timeline
According to the CCTV footage, the timeline of events unfolded as follows:
- 12:03 PM: The victim fainted while seated in the gym.
- 12:06 PM: A responder and nurse from Barangay Opao arrived, providing initial assistance within three minutes.
- 12:13 PM: Members of the Opao Emergency Rescue Team arrived and lifted the victim into an ambulance.
- 12:20 PM: The ambulance departed for Mandaue City Hospital.
This sequence indicates a total response time of approximately 10 minutes from the moment the victim fainted to the ambulance's departure, contradicting the alleged 30-minute delay.
DSWD Continues Aid Distribution Amidst Aftermath
In related news, the DSWD is persisting with its distribution of aid to victims of Typhoon Tino. Beneficiaries are eligible to receive P5,000 each as part of ongoing relief efforts. This highlights the broader context of social welfare activities in the region, even as the investigation into the Mandaue incident proceeds.
The city government emphasizes its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging the public to rely on verified information as the investigation unfolds. Further updates are expected as officials delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
