Retired soldier found unresponsive at home; flood rescuers tried to get him to hospital

A retired soldier was found unresponsive in his house in Pasay City amid heavy flooding, and was later declared dead amid efforts to bring him to hospital.

According to a 24 Oras report by Ian Cruz, former airman Reynaldo Silapan was found lifeless as the family was moving their belongings away from floodwaters that had reached the first floor of the house.

Rescuers hoisted him onto a boat, but he had already passed away.

His son, Airman First Class Jayron Silapan, found his father in the basement of their home at six in the morning.

“Palagi siyang nagre-remind sa akin kung ano yung mga kailangan kong gawin lalo na sa serbisyo ko, nagpapa-alala siya, galingan ko daw palagi. Di ko in-expect ito, sir,” said Jayron, in tears.

(He reminded me of what I need to do especially in my service, he kept on reminding me that I must excel. I didn't expect this, Sir.) 

According to Barangay Chairman Alvin Zuniga, Barangay 183 is near the Tripa de Gallina waterway. 

“Parang this is the first time after so many years. Dito sa kalsadang ito hanggang bewang ang pinakamataas yung dyan sa Trinidad Street, halos lagpas tao na doon,” said Zuniga. 

(It seems like this is the first time after so many years. Here on this road up to the waist, the one on Trinidad Street is the highest, there are almost more people there.)

Floodwaters also rose to thigh height in Barangay 184 and St. Peter Street, with children splashing around despite the risks of waterborne diseases.

A state of calamity has been declared in the National Capital Region as rains brought by Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat caused massive flooding. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News