Photojournalist dies while covering Traslacion

A photojournalist died while covering this year’s Traslacion, or the procession of Jesus Nazareno, on Friday, 9 January, according to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

Authorities said Itoh Son, 55, suffered a heart attack early Friday morning near the Quirino Grandstand. He was found unconscious and without a pulse near Manila Police District Station 5.

Reports said Son’s pulse was briefly restored while he was being rushed from the Quirino Grandstand to Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center in Tondo. However, he was later declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Son’s daughter, Alyanna Danielle, said viewing and visitation will be open to relatives and friends beginning Saturday, 10 January, at Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City.

“We kindly ask for privacy this evening as we spend this time with his immediate family,” she said.

“We are truly grateful for your prayers, understanding, support, heartfelt condolences, and love during this time of mourning,” she added.

Son, a photographer for the tabloid newspaper Saksi, had reportedly been suffering from the flu for several days but continued covering pre-Traslacion activities, including the “Pahalik.”