The City Government has concluded that members of the Iloilo City Emergency Responders (ICER) followed established emergency response and scene management protocols during their response to a medical emergency involving an unresponsive man in Barangay Balabago, Jaro on June 22.
In its latest statement, the city government said the finding stemmed from an internal investigation launched after public concerns were raised over the responders’ handling of the incident.
According to official records, the city’s Dispatch Officer received the emergency call at 3:11 a.m., dispatched a response team at 3:13 a.m., and the team arrived at the scene at 3:21 a.m.
Upon arrival, ICER personnel immediately assessed the patient’s condition and confirmed the absence of vital signs. The patient had no pulse, was not breathing, had discoloration on the right calf, and exhibited rigor mortis in both the hands and feet.
The city described the incident as an “unusual circumstance” because it occurred before dawn in a poorly lit area with no direct witnesses, limited initial information from the dispatcher, and difficult road access. The emergency call only reported that a person had been found inside a tricycle.
While conducting their assessment, responders also immediately notified the barangay tanod and the local police station in accordance with established protocols.
When the victim’s family arrived at the scene, they were informed of his condition and subsequently decided to contact a funeral home.
Earlier, the Iloilo City Government announced the conduct of an internal investigation to determine whether emergency response protocols had been properly observed and to identify areas for review and improvement. The city also said that appropriate corrective measures would be implemented should any deficiencies in the protocols be identified.
The city government extended its sympathies to the victim’s family and assured the public of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of emergency medical services.
Despite the investigation’s findings that responders complied with existing protocols, the Iloilo City Government said it will continue reviewing its emergency response procedures and operations to further strengthen the delivery of emergency services.IMT
