MANILA -
(UPDATED) What was supposed to be a fun outing and bonding time with his dad and co-workers to Bataan turned tragic for 17-year-old John Albert Martinez-Senilong III who lost his life after falling inside an open septic tank outside a gasoline station they had stopped by en-route to the outing.
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| Photo Credit: Facebook / Britney Senilong |
According to John Albert’s sister, Britney Senilong, the Grade 11 student was excited to join their dad for a company team building activity in Bataan.
While they were plying NLEX near Petron Lakeshore in Mexico, Pampanga, their vehicle stalled due to overheating around midnight; thus, they pushed it towards the gas station for gas and so they can get some food and water.
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| Photo Credit: Facebook / Britney Senilong |
John Albert told others he was going to pee while they were still busy trying to fix the vehicle. After several minutes, they were ready to go but the teen was not in the vehicle; so, he looked for a dark part outside the gas station where John Albert must have gone to.
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| Photo Credit: Facebook / Britney Senilong |
Instead of finding the teen, however, their dad saw on the ground the jacket John Albert had placed on his shoulders during the trip – and his slippers were on what appears to be a cemented spot that was actually an open septic tank filled with dirt and gasoline.
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| Photo Credit: Facebook / Britney Senilong |
The frantic dad quickly sought help from his co-workers. He went inside the tank while holding on to a hose but the tank was too deep (around 16 feet deep) and filled with gasoline-mixed water that made it difficult for him to breathe.
After a little while, a police mobile arrived but Britney claimed that the cop didn’t help. Staff from the gas station didn’t also help, she added. What made the family feel angrier is that the open septic tank was deep yet it did not have warning signs or even lights that would warn people it was there. What’s worse is that the top part of that open tank actually appears to be cemented pavement because of the caking mud.
The family is now seeking justice for John Albert’s untimely passing. They are also hoping that the gas station’s management will do something to prevent a similar accident from happening in the future.
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| Photo Credit: Facebook / Britney Senilong |
The Summit Express wrote to Petron Corporation, seeking their statement regarding the incident. This is their reply:
Hi, The Summit Express,
We regret the fatal accident that happened to John Albert Senilong last April 29 at the Lakeshore Development Complex, near our station. We extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones, and thank concerned citizens who have reached out to us regarding this incident.
We wish to clarify that the sewage facility where the victim reportedly fell in, is not owned or leased by Petron. While it is located near the station’s signage, it is owned by Lakeshore Development and is used for its nearby real estate project. Petron has no role and jurisdiction in maintaining or operating the said facility.
Nevertheless, upon learning of the incident, it was the Petron station’s personnel who immediately notified emergency responders. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the responders were unable to revive John.
After the incident, we were made aware that the developer has reached out to the family and offered the necessary assistance. We hope for the quick resolution of this case, and again, offer our deepest condolences to the Senilong family.
— Danielle Ramos, The Summit Express
