GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A 62-year-old Slovenian national who triggered a public safety incident after climbing an electric post along Daproza Street in Barangay Dadiangas West early Friday morning, May 30, was successfully rescued by authorities and is now being transported to Davao City for psychiatric care and further medical treatment.
According to the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO), personnel from Police Station 1 responded at around 6:00 a.m. after receiving reports that the foreign national had climbed a SOCOTECO II electric post beside a convenience store, alarming residents, motorists, and passersby in the area.
Authorities immediately secured the vicinity and coordinated with several government agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the individual. The operation involved personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Health Office, and the Office of the City Mayor.
Initial information gathered by authorities identified the foreigner only as “Mr. Loca,” a Slovenian national who reportedly checked into a hotel in General Santos City on May 11, 2026.
A hotel employee disclosed that while the foreigner had fully paid for his accommodation and expenses, he allegedly attempted to jump from the hotel at one point, prompting management to seek assistance from Police Station 1 to secure his safety.
However, the foreign national later managed to leave the hotel and eventually climbed the electric post at around 5:30 a.m. Friday along Daproza Street, near a school and a convenience store. The incident reportedly caused a temporary power interruption affecting areas serviced by SOCOTECO II.
During negotiations with authorities, the foreign national allegedly demanded the return of his passport, cellphone, wallet, and money. Negotiators carefully engaged him while rescue teams from the BFP strategically positioned themselves to carry out the operation safely.
After more than an hour of tense negotiations and rescue preparations, authorities successfully brought the foreign national down from the electric post shortly after 7:00 a.m.
General Santos City Police Director P/Col. Eric De Venancio said the operation was conducted peacefully and with utmost care to ensure the safety of the individual and the public.
“Through the assistance of our skilled BFP personnel and the proper coordination of all agencies involved, we were able to rescue him safely. We remain prepared for these kinds of situations and we will continue to look into how we can further help his condition,” De Venancio said.
Authorities later learned that the Slovenian national was reportedly suffering from bipolar disorder, which may have contributed to his behavior.
P/Capt. Balofeños, Officer-in-Charge of Pendatun Police Station, emphasized that the success of the operation was due to the preparedness of rescue personnel, the availability of specialized equipment, and careful planning among responding agencies.
Health personnel immediately provided medical intervention after the rescue before the foreign national was prepared for transport to Davao City for proper psychiatric evaluation and continued treatment.
The General Santos City Police Office said the incident highlighted the importance of compassion and coordinated emergency response during mental health-related crises involving both local and foreign individuals.
Police Station 1 reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, maintaining public safety, and responding to emergencies with professionalism, compassion, and respect for human dignity.