Husband of the Mayor and member of the SB succumbs during Sto. Tomas mountain trail race
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Balikadaw X Santo Tomas Mountain Trail Run, held on August 3, 2025, in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, ended in tragedy. Two participants, Klent John Mesiona Brua and Eric Joseph David Tapping, lost their lives due to suspected heat-related illness, specifically heat stroke.
The victims, Brua, a resident of New Bataan and husband of Mayor Bianca Cualing-Brua, and Tapping, a Sangguniang Bayan board member of Montevista, joined the race that started at around 4:30 a.m. in Bukindao, Purok Narra, Barangay New Visayas. The event featured multiple endurance categories, with Brua participating in the 21-kilometer trail that passed through elevated and forested terrain.
As the day progressed, the extreme heat became a significant factor. Brua was found unconscious at the base of a ravine at Purok 7, Barangay San Jose at around 3:30 p.m. He was rushed to the Santo Tomas Medical Health Center where he was declared dead on arrival. Tapping, who was also reported to have collapsed during the same event, succumbed to heat exhaustion.
Mayor Bianca Cualing-Brua made a public statement expressing her grief over her husband's death. She thanked God for the life of her husband, who was a blessing to his parents, wife, and children. Montevista Mayor Cyrex L. Basalo declared official days of mourning in honor of SB board member Tapping. Philippine flags across the municipality of Montevista will be flown at half-mast as a tribute to Tapping.
This tragic outcome underscores the risks of endurance sports conducted in hot climates. It emphasizes the need for adequate hydration, medical support, and safety precautions during such events. The Local Government of Montevista confirmed the passing of SB board member Tapping, acknowledging his short but impactful stint in public service.
[1] Heat Exhaustion [3] Heat Stroke
- The Philippine government, in response to the tragic incidents during the Balikadaw X Santo Tomas Mountain Trail Run in Davao del Norte, is highlighted to reconsider safety measures and precautions for future endurance sports events, especially in hot climates, to prevent similar occurrences of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- In the General-News sector, reports detail the unfortunate fatalities of Klent John Mesiona Brua, who was a New Bataan resident and husband of Mayor Bianca Cualing-Brua, and Eric Joseph David Tapping, a Sangguniang Bayan board member of Montevista, due to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke during the mountain trail run in Davao.
- The Davao sports community expressed their deep condolences for the loss of Brua and Tapping, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health and safety in sports events, particularly when held in intense heat conditions.
