Army officer dies of cardiac arrest during ‘marathon’

A military officer from the Philippine Army died from cardiac arrest during a 21-kilometer run at the Condura Skyway Marathon in Alabang on Sunday.

Major Arnold Lubang was one kilometer away from the finish line when he collapsed, said Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao on Monday.

The officer suffered from a cardiac arrest and was declared dead upon arrival at Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang.

Lubang, 40, was a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2000 and was assigned at the Plans division of the Army before the tragic incident.

His death surprised his colleagues and friends, as he was a frequent participant in running events.

Major Joey Capirig, a mistah or classmate of Lubang at PMA, said Lubang was an accomplished officer.

He was once selected as best junior officer when he was a company commander in Cagayan de Oro. He was also a recipient of Gold Cross Medal, the third highest award for combat in 2003.

The Condura Skyway Marathon benefits children of soldiers who have died or wounded in battle. JE