Sick Subic Freeport worker found dead in Barracks

A worker in the Subic Bay Free Port was found dead inside this barracks on Friday. Authorities were quick to dismiss that his death was COVID-19-related. (Photo from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT –– A 40-year-old maintenance staff was found dead inside their barracks here on Friday.

Jimmy Gonzaga Ocaña Jr., a resident of Marikina City, had been staying inside these barracks since the start of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

He worked for the company operating a grain terminal at the Cubi Point.

Ocaña had reportedly consulted a doctor after complaining about the pain in his leg and was prescribed some pain killer.

According to his colleagues, Ocaña started to feel pain in his leg on Thursday.

Around 5:45 a.m. the next day, they found him lying face down beside his bed, and was unconscious.

Personnel from the SBMA public health and safety department responded to the workers’ barracks, but the attending physician declared Ocaña dead.

Local health officials said Ocaña’s death was not related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) since he did not show any symptoms, such as fever or cough, and had no history of travel or exposure.

Police said there was also no apparent foul play.

SBMA has earlier required companies authorized to operate under the ECQ to provide accommodation for their employees inside the freeport.

LZB