Families grieve

MANILA, Philippines – As the investigation over the tragic incident at a construction site in Makati City continues, the victims’ families are mourning the death of their loved ones, saying that despite the long working hours and low pay, they worked hard for a living.

Grief-stricken families, while waiting at Funeraria Filipinas in Makati City Friday, could not help but cry and share stories about their loved ones - the 10 construction workers who met their untimely death when the service gondola they were using in the construction site collapsed.

Vicente Pinon, father of victim Edward Pinon, 22, single, was devastated upon learning of the death of his son on television.

"I was shocked when I watched the TV news yesterday and learned that my son was included in the tragedy," said Pinon, a brother of Edward Pinon, head of Pinon Contractors, the sub-contractor that employed the workers.

Pinon said his son wanted to help in providing for the family, allowing him to work when he turned 18.

"He was working for four years as construction worker, and helped in the family," he added.

Edward supported, despite demanding workload, the education of his two siblings, with his P260 daily wage.

Edward's mother nearly collapsed after hearing that her son had been killed.

Meanwhile, the family of another victim Joel Avecilla chose not to disclose the bad news to his mother.

Jojo Avecilla, brother of Joel, said the news of their brother's death was not told to their ailing mother, who is scheduled to undergo an operation at a hospital in Quezon City. "We don't want her to have problems. We fear that her condition may worsen if she learns about the demise of our brother," said Jojo, adding that they will let their mother know after the operation.

"Joel was beside our mother the other day and went home at 3 am to change clothes and went to work," he added. He said their family is not interested in filing charges against the company or even the contractors, adding that "we believe that it was an accident. No one wants it to happen."

"We just want that Jojo will be laid to rest peacefully," he said.

Jojo left his family, including a pregnant wife and one-year-old baby in Mindoro.

Joel said the officials from Arlou Contractors and Pinon Contractors vowed to pay for the interment and burial expenses. "They also vowed to give financial assistance for each and every affected families. But it still has to undergo a series of discussions. It is a big help for the surviving families," said Joel.

Malou Santos, sister of fatality Celso Mabuting, said it was painful to learn of their brother's death. "He is the sole provider of his family," said Santos, adding that Mabuting sent money in Quezon province monthly.

"We want that his remains be transferred to Quezon province but until now we have not talked to officials yet," said Santos.