THE DAVAO Police Regional Office will look into possible lapses in the security cordon that allowed an 18-year-old boy to rush to the road before getting hit by a cyclist during the Ironman 70.3 event on Sunday.
Police Regional Office XI director Brig. Gen. Alden Delvo said in an interview on Monday at the sidelines of the launching of Oplan kilos at the Davao City Police Office headquarters Sandigan hall in Camp Leonor Domingo in San Pedro street.
“We will look into that. We will talk to the organizers with regards to that,” Delvo said.
Gerald Tayag of Barangay Sto. Niño, Panabo City, was reportedly rushed to the ICU when a triathlete hit him during the race. According to recent reports, he slipped into a coma following an operation that drained the blood in his head.
The triathlete was biking from Tagum City to Davao City when Tayag suddenly crossed the middle of the road to get his water container. The force of the crash sent a triathlete crashing and suffering minor injuries as a result. He managed to finish the race.
“Hopefully he can recover fast and will give you updates, but generally, the security and the Davao City Police Office, Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office, and of course, the Police Regional Office XI were able to contain the event,” he said.
“The security assessment was successful,” he added.
Another participant, unfortunately, passed away while participating in the swimming course.
The Alveo Ironman organizers immediately released a statement on the triathlete’s passing:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a race participant at IRONMAN 70.3 Davao. The athlete required medical attention during the swim portion of the race and was transported to a nearby hospital where they were treated. Our condolences go out to the athlete’s family and friends, whom we will continue to support. In respect of the family’s privacy, we will have no further comment at this time.”
In addition, DCPO chief Col. Alberto Lupaz said the Ironman was very peaceful and they recorded no crime incident despite the massive challenges. The police estimated the crowd to swell to 20,000 during the culminating Ironman race.
Meanwhile, the City Mayor’s Office has also extended assistance to the 18-year-old male who suffered severe injuries when hit by a participating cyclist in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.
Aportadera added that the city is closely coordinating with the Panabo medical sector to monitor the latter’s status.
