Wake Up Call

The recently concluded CloseUp Forever Summer held at the Mall of Arena concert grounds last May 21st still sends chills down my spine.


The annual party ended tragically with 5 casualties Bianca Fontejon 18; Ariel Leal 22; Lance Garcia 36; Ken Migawa 18 and American national Eric Anthony Miller 33, all death caused by a massive heart attack. Two of the victims, Fontejon and Garcia have blackened hearts and bleeding internal organs which is highly unusual according to NBI medico-legal officer Dr. Wilfredo Tierra who conducted autopsies on their bodies. Reports say that victims ingested a designer drug that is a mixture of ecstasy and shabu called Green Amore pill.

Apparently, the concert organizer security measures were not followed that led to usage and illegal selling of party drugs in the venue. Authorities say that according to witnesses, the party drugs have been mixed with alcoholic drinks and was passed on to different partygoers. Some of the witnesses also said that the security and bouncers at the event were fully aware that there were a group of youngsters on drugs but no one kicked them out of the venue or stop them. 

When the news about fatalities from the CloseUp Forever Summer event broke out it got me really concerned. I thought what if this happens to a loved one? I'm not against youngsters partying or having fun as long as they are responsible enough and know their limits. It is a given that they are curious but they must be taught how to be vigilant.

Illegal selling of drugs victimizing the youth has been going on for ages. It is becoming more rampant, a worldwide concern actually. I hope that the government will focus on raising awareness about harmful drugs and closely monitor events that may be a target for drug syndicates to smuggle drugs.


No more precious lives wasting away.