THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is mourning the untimely death of a member of the Muntinlupa City Police SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team who died of a heart attack in Cavite while on his way to perform his election duties last May 10.

NCRPO Director, Major General Felipe R. Natividad, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of 42-year-old Police Master Sergeant Manuel Escalona, who suffered from a heart attack after going on duty for three straight days before the May 9 national and local elections.

The 20-year veteran of the police force was on his way to his night shift duty as a member of the Muntinlupa City Police Station SWAT when he suffered from a fatal heart attack.

“Team NCRPO mourns the loss of our comrade and affords him a boundless homage for avidly choosing to perform his sworn duty during the election despite not feeling well,” said the NCRPO chief.

“Sa kabila ng pagdeklara ng “Full Alert” status ng nakaraang eleksiyon, ang NCRPO ay hindi pinapayagan na magtrabaho ang sinuman sa kanyang tauhan na magtrabaho ng lagpas sa oras o magtrabaho ng walang sapat na pahinga kaya nga meron tayong mga reserve forces. Sinisiguro natin na ang kapakanan ng ating mga tauhan ang una sa lahat,” Maj. Gen. Natividad added.

Southern Police District Director Brigadier Gen. Jimili L. Macaraeg and Muntinlupa City Police Chief Colonel Angel L. Garcillano have extended full assistance to the late cop’s family, which also received help from the SPD’s Kaagapay Association Incorporated Mutual Fund, a non-profit SPD cooperative.

A survivor officer was also designated to help process the claims of the late Escalona.

Reports said that Escalona was riding a motorcycle on his way to his duty in Muntinlupa when he had a heart attack along Daang Hari Road in Imus City, Cavite.

He was taken to the South Imus Specialist Hospital in Imus City, where an attending physician declared him dead upon arrival.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon said he received reports that Escalona went on duty for three days straight.

“Namatay si Manuel dahil pumutok ang ugat sa kanyang puso. Matapos ang kanyang 3-day duty sa halalan, nakapagpahinga lang siya ng konti at nagpatuloy sa normal na gawain. Nagmamaneho siya ng motorsiklo niya nang atakihin, bumagsak at binawian ng buhay,” Biazon said in a Facebook post.

The policeman’s widow said he was already suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes.

“Marahil dahil sa stress dulot ng straight duty na tatlong araw kasabay ng hindi masyadong naasikasong kalusugan ang naging sanhi ng pagbigay ng ugat ng kanyang puso. Bata pa siya, 42 years old lang,” said Biazon.

The remains of Escalona were brought to his hometown in Ilocos Sur. By Alfred Dalizon