Bam Alegre falls into sea during coverage; vows to maximize 'second chance'

"I need to maximize my days."

This is what GMA News reporter Bam Alegre said he realized after he slipped and fell into the sea from a ship during his coverage early Monday morning.

Alegre said he was at Pier 13, Port Area to cover individuals who were rescued from the West Philippine Sea. He and other journalists were being escorted to the base area of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for a break when the incident took place.

“Maraming dinaanan din. Itong particular surface na ito, it was dark and madaling araw siya and madilim and makitid din. Tapos ano kasi, may part doon na uneven ‘yung surface like para siyang lulubog,” he told GMA News Online.

(There were many pathways. This particular surface, it was dark and it was early morning and dark and also narrow. Then there was a part there where the surface was uneven, like it was sinking.)

He then fell through the narrow gap between the vessel and the pier.

“When I slipped doon sa uneven surface na ‘yun, wala akong nakapitan. Dire-diretso ako doon sa baba. I couldn’t really estimate how steep it was… it felt to me like a second. I was falling endlessly for a second before I hit water,” he added.

(When I slipped on that uneven surface, I had nothing to hold on to. I went straight down there. I couldn’t really estimate how steep it was… it felt to me like a second. I was falling endlessly for a second before I hit water.)

Alegre realized he was deep underwater when he could not touch the seafloor beneath him. He said there were estimates that he fell from at least 10 feet high.

He said he tried to keep his calm and remembered his training a few years ago.

“Langoy aso. So that’s what I did. I raised my hands and naglangoy aso ako. Parang sabi ko — nag mumura pa nga ako noon in my mind, sabi ko tang*na bahala na. Sabi ko bahala na. Langoy aso na,” he said.

(Paddle like a dog. So that’s what I did. I raised my hands and I dog-paddled. It was like I said— I was even cursing in my mind back then, I said damn it, whatever happens. I said whatever happens. Dog paddle it is.)

Alegre said he screamed for help upon surfacing and tightly held on to a nearby column that was covered with sharp barnacles, leaving his fingers injured.

The PCG then threw a floating device tied to a rope for him.

Following this, Alegre said he was given medical aid by the PCG. He then proceeded to the Manila Doctors Hospital, where he was given an anti-tetanus shot.

When he was discharged, Alegre headed straight to speak to university students in Bacoor. He said this was because he thought that the reason he did not die was because he still had something to do.

“I was lucky na wala akong major injury. Kasi I could have hit my head while falling down or I could have crashed on something solid. I had this realization na I was really lucky that day. And probably a new life and parang I wanted to maximize,” he said.

“Maybe I need to maximize my days. Make full use of my life,” he added.

Despite being able to laugh about the incident, Alegre said he was still in shock.

“It’s still on my mind. Actually, I told my superiors naman I could manage with the injuries I have. If I have to work, I can work now. But I also told them parang it’s messing with my mind that I could have died,” he said.

He also extended his gratitude to everyone who wished him well, his crew who stood by his side throughout the incident, and his superiors.

“Thank you so much for everyone who sent their well wishes. Lahat ng nagpaabot ng kanilang pag aalala. Lahat ng nakaramdam ng takot kung may nangyari sa akin. Hanggat maari gusto ko nga bigyan ng reply lahat ng comments pero masakit pa kasi ‘yung daliri ko,” he said.

(Thank you so much to everyone who sent their well wishes. Everyone who expressed their concern. Everyone who felt scared that something might have happened to me. As much as possible, I really want to reply to all the comments, but my finger still hurts.)

Alegre said he will take a few days off before returning to the news grind. — BAP, GMA Integrated News