Voter in Albay dies after casting vote

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- A voter from Oas town in Albay died shortly after casting his vote on Monday, according to a police report from the Bicol region. On the same day, Albay experienced a heat index exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Nestor Rensales, 65, a resident of Barangay Talongog, Oas, Albay, cast his vote at Precinct Cluster 68 located at Oas South Central School in Barangay Ilaor Sur. Soon after voting, Rensales collapsed due to dizziness, said Police Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Bicol regional police.

Following the incident, personnel from Precinct Cluster 68 immediately alerted the medical team stationed at the polling center.

“The victim had already completed casting his vote when he suddenly felt dizzy inside Precinct Cluster 68 at Oas South Central School. His wife, Juana Rosayaga Rensales, 65, was informed of the incident,” the police report stated.

Rensales was given first aid and rushed to Josefina Belmonte Duran Albay Provincial Hospital in Ligao City, where he was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Leslie Rivera.

According to reports, the victim had a history of stroke. The incident occurred Monday morning. Coincidentally, the PAGASA Southern Luzon Regional Surveillance Division reported a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius at around 11 a.m. on May 12.

Based on PAGASA Bicol data, the provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur recorded heat indexes of 42°C, Camarines Norte 40°C, and Masbate 43°C.

By 2:00 p.m., the heat index in Bicol worsened: Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur registered 43°C, Masbate 42°C, Albay 41°C, and Legazpi City and Juban in Sorsogon recorded 40°C.

According to PAGASA, a heat index between 42°C and 51°C is classified as "dangerous" and may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Continued exposure may lead to heat stroke.

A heat index of 27°C to 32°C may result in heat cramps during prolonged activity, while a range of 33°C to 41°C increases the likelihood of heat exhaustion and heat stroke with continued exertion. A heat index of 52°C and above is classified as "extreme danger," where heat stroke is imminent.

Since last month, the Bicol Region has been experiencing unusually high heat indexes and humidity following the transition from La Niña conditions.