Tragedy Strikes as Pregnant Woman’s Surprise Ends in Earthquake Fatality

DAVAO DEL NORTE – A tragic incident unfolded when a pregnant woman’s plan to surprise her partner with happy news turned into a heart-wrenching event after a powerful earthquake struck Purok 3, Brgy. La Filipina, Tagum City, on Saturday evening, December 2, 2023.

The victim, known as Kenneth Joy Gemarino, was carrying her partner John Ryan Martir’s second child, which she had intended to reveal as a surprise. However, her life was tragically cut short due to the earthquake, as confirmed by a friend who preferred to remain anonymous.

According to reports, when the earthquake hit, Gemarino, Martir, and their six-year-old son quickly fled their house. Unfortunately, a nearby 15-foot-high wall collapsed, causing Gemarino to suffer fatal head injuries.

Martir also sustained injuries to his hand and other parts of his body, while their son fortunately escaped unharmed.

Emergency services promptly rushed the victims to Christ the King Specialist Hospital for immediate medical attention. Sadly, Gemarino was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Authorities believe that the collapsed wall was old, which likely contributed to its sudden collapse.

As of now, Gemarino’s body remains in the hospital morgue, while her devastated husband is still recovering from his injuries.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the importance of ensuring the safety of structures, especially during times of heightened seismic activity.

The community is mourning the loss of Gemarino, a young woman who was full of life and had a bright future ahead. Her untimely demise has left a void in the lives of her loved ones and serves as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life.

As the affected family and community grieve, it is hoped that this incident will bring about greater awareness and action towards ensuring the safety of structures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.