ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A grieving family is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation following the sudden death of an engineering professor who reportedly suffered a medical emergency on a public road in front of the Baliwasan Barangay Hall on February 18, 2026.
The victim, Engr. Arvin Eijansantos Evangelista, a faculty member of the Computer Engineering department at Western Mindanao State University, was remembered by colleagues and students as a dedicated educator whose work helped shape the careers of many aspiring engineers.
His daughter, Trisha Evangelista, took to social media to recount the painful circumstances surrounding her father’s final moments and to appeal for justice and accountability.
Family Questions Emergency Response
According to Trisha, the incident happened along the road directly in front of the barangay hall, where traffic enforcers and police officers were reportedly present at the time of the emergency. She said witnesses told them that responders called for an ambulance but that no further life-saving measures were initiated while waiting for medical personnel to arrive.
When the ambulance reached the scene, she claimed that her father was only briefly assessed and was declared dead within minutes.
The family alleged that no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed and that he was not transported to the nearest hospital for further medical intervention.
“As both a daughter and a nurse, this is extremely painful for me,” Trisha said in her post, emphasizing that suspected cardiac arrest cases usually require immediate and sustained resuscitative efforts unless there are clear and definitive signs that life cannot be restored.
“Every second matters. A life deserves a full and proper resuscitative attempt,” she added, insisting that her father should have been given every possible chance to survive.
CCTV Footage and Witness Accounts
The family said they possess CCTV footage of the incident, which they believe shows how the emergency was handled during the crucial moments before and after the ambulance arrived. According to them, the video raises serious questions about the urgency and level of care provided at the scene.
Witness accounts cited by the family also claimed that after the victim was declared deceased following a short assessment, his body was covered with a disposable gown and left at the roadside—an image they described as deeply distressing.
These details, they said, have intensified their call for authorities to review whether proper emergency response protocols and standard procedures were followed.
University Mourns Loss of Dedicated Educator
In a statement, the College of Engineering of Western Mindanao State University expressed grief over Evangelista’s passing, describing him as a cherished professor who left a lasting impact on his students.
The college highlighted his dedication to teaching, his ability to inspire curiosity in the classroom, and his commitment to mentoring young engineers into competent professionals. Beyond his professional achievements, colleagues remembered him for his kindness, patience, and unwavering support for both students and fellow faculty members.
Call for Accountability and Reform
For the Evangelista family, the tragedy goes beyond personal loss. They said they are seeking answers not only about what happened that day but also about whether existing emergency response systems are being properly implemented in public spaces.
They are urging authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation to determine if lapses occurred during the response to the incident and to ensure accountability if protocols were not followed.
“This is not about anger alone,” the family said in their appeal. “It is about ensuring that emergency response protocols are properly followed so that no other family will have to live with the question of whether more could have been done.”
As the community mourns the death of a respected educator, the case has drawn attention online, with many expressing condolences and echoing the family’s call for clarity, compassion, and justice.
For the Evangelista family, one message remains clear: the life of Engr. Arvin E. Evangelista mattered—and they intend to pursue answers about the final moments that led to his passing.