Firefighter dies trying to stop blaze in Polangui

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

Senior Fire Officer 1 Ramon Quiapon Jr., of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Polangui station died while trying to stop a blaze in a hardware store in Polangui, Albay on Monday, Jan. 24.

Fire Inspector Aramis Balde, BFP Bicol spokesman, said that Quiapon, the BFP team leader in Polangui, was responding to put out a fire gutting the J.P. Liao trading in Ubaliw, Polangui at around 1:30 PM when he suddenly collapsed.

Quiapon was rushed to the municipal health center for medical treatment but he died on the way, police report said.

Firefighters from adjacent towns of Libon, Oas, including Ligao City responded to help put out the fire.

The blaze was declared a fire out at around 3:00 PM. BFP authorities estimated the damage at P2 million. It is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

Following the death of Quiapon in the line of duty, Polangui Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President Adrian Salceda will file a resolution recognizing the heroism of Quiapon.

Salceda, a nephew of Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda and who is running for mayoral post in Polangui town, lauded Quiapon’s bravery as he offered his precious life while responding to stop a fire.

Aside from Salceda’s initiative recognizing the heroism of Quiapon, councilors of Polangui town will also chip in P5,000 each from their salaries as financial assistance to the family of the fallen firefighter.

Similarly, the 44 barangays of Polangui town will also provide P1,000 each as assistance to Quiapon’s bereaved family.