A portion of the boardwalk of a marine sanctuary in Olango Island, off mainland Lapu-Lapu City, collapsed. Three were reported injured, including a senior citizen.

The family and friends of Rey Lugo, a resident of the island, were about to leave the marine sanctuary in Barangay San Vicente after a visit when a portion of the boardwalk collapsed.

One of 13 persons who fell into shallow seawaters is Lugo’s 82-year-old mother.

His 43-year-old wife suffered wounds and contusions on both knees, on the feet, shoulder, and on her back; while his 49-year-old sibling suffered wounds and contusions on the thighs and arms.

Their mother sustained a wound on her lips.

The rest were found unscathed.

Lugo said that no emergency response team in the marine sanctuary came to assist them.

He said he is thankful that he and a friend have received training from the Philippine Red Cross; they themselves facilitated first aid.

It was further learned that the manager of the marine sanctuary attended to their hospital bills. But no payment was made for the damaged cellphone of Lugo's child and his wife's wristwatch. 

As of this writing, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak is yet to get the statement of the manager on the incident.

As for San Vicente Barangay Chairman Edil Eyas Lambojon, the guests were warned not to tag along senior citizens and children.

However, Lugo negated the barangay captain’s statement, saying no one briefed them about certain prohibitions.

Lambojon said that following the incident, the marine sanctuary is closed temporarily to the public to facilitate repair of the boardwalk.