DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A one-month-old baby who survived the powerful earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao is now fighting to recover from serious injuries after being trapped under debris during the disaster on Balut Island, local residents and volunteers reported.
Baby Brion Hamone, a resident of Barangay Tagen on Balut Island, was among the victims injured when the strong earthquake caused structures to collapse, trapping him and his mother beneath heavy debris.
The infant is currently confined at the Surgery Annex of Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City, where he is receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. Photos shared by volunteers show the baby with a cast on one of his arms, evidence of the trauma he suffered during the quake.
According to individuals who visited the family at the hospital, Brion’s mother, Mercy Dayen Ebidu, was also injured after taking the brunt of the impact while trapped. She reportedly remains weak and has difficulty moving as she continues to recover from her injuries.
The baby’s father was identified as Jolivert Mangilay Hamone.
Volunteers who personally checked on the family at SPMC described their condition as heartbreaking. Aside from dealing with the physical and emotional toll of the disaster, the family also lost important belongings when their house collapsed during the earthquake.
The family reportedly has no access to digital payment platforms such as GCash because their identification documents were buried and lost when their home was destroyed.
Concerned citizens have already begun extending assistance. Donations in the form of baby milk, food, and financial support have been provided to help the family cope with their immediate needs while the child remains hospitalized.
As recovery efforts continue in earthquake-affected communities, local residents are appealing to compassionate individuals and organizations to extend assistance to Baby Brion and his family.
Brion remains under medical observation at the Surgery Annex of SPMC in Davao City. His watcher was identified as Nancy Grace Hamone Ansing, who can be contacted through 0997-601-8175 for those wishing to verify the family’s situation or coordinate assistance. Another contact person assisting the family is Rowena, who may be reached through 0951-382-0093.
The plight of Baby Brion highlights the human cost of the devastating earthquake that shook Mindanao, leaving families displaced, injured, and struggling to rebuild their lives. While rescue and relief operations continue in affected areas, stories like his serve as a reminder that many survivors still face a long road to recovery long after the ground has stopped shaking.
Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage in affected communities, while humanitarian efforts are underway to provide aid to families impacted by the disaster.