Two Iloilo City Traffic Enforcers Die Amid Extreme Heat

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Two personnel from the Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office with pre-existing health conditions have died, with extreme heat believed to have triggered their deaths, TTMO head Uldarico Garbanzos confirmed Monday, April 28.

John Tulio Jr., a traffic enforcer assigned to the La Paz district, died on April 7.

Tulio, who had served the city for 37 years, initially complained of feeling unwell while on duty.

After being allowed to return home to rest, he suffered a fatal stroke at his residence.

His condition was believed to have been aggravated by the extreme heat.

Lester Paul Duran, another traffic enforcer who had served the department for about six years, died on February 23 after suffering a stroke caused by complications from high blood pressure.

Garbanzos emphasized that both enforcers had underlying medical conditions that may have been worsened by soaring temperatures.

He highlighted the risks that extreme weather poses to public service workers, especially traffic enforcers exposed to the elements during their duties.

In recognition of their dedication, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas posthumously honored Tulio and Duran during a flag-raising ceremony Monday, April 28.

The families of the deceased enforcers received the awards on their behalf.

Garbanzos assured that assistance for the families of the late enforcers is being processed.

To safeguard personnel, the TTMO has implemented a “Heat Stroke Break” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., allowing traffic enforcers to rest in designated cooling areas.

Adjustments will also be made to personnel deployment due to the ongoing high heat index in the city.

The TTMO is preparing a shift schedule for personnel with comorbidities, ensuring they are assigned to afternoon shifts to minimize exposure to extreme heat.

“We are taking steps to protect the well-being of our enforcers during this hot weather. While we continue to monitor traffic and respond to emergencies, we ask the public for understanding if they do not see traffic enforcers on the streets during the hottest part of the day,” Garbanzos said.

As of now, the TTMO and the Public Safety and Management Office have 374 field personnel actively working to maintain traffic flow and ensure public safety.