A drinking contest that began as a casual activity during a local fiesta in Sitio Dhalia, Maragusan, Davao De Oro, turned tragic when one participant died and another was left in a coma.
The event took place during the sitio’s festivities, where a group of men decided to up the stakes by offering a prize of PHP 500 for each pair that could finish a 750ml bottle of liquor with 40% alcohol content. The prize was later increased to PHP 1,000 by the sitio’s vice president for those who could finish a second bottle.
The first pair of participants managed to complete the challenge safely. However, the second pair, friends Arlon and Miguelito, struggled from the start. Despite their difficulties, they managed to consume both bottles within just over 20 minutes.
Shortly after, Arlon began vomiting and experienced a nosebleed, while Miguelito lost consciousness. Believing the two were simply drunk, bystanders allowed them to rest. Hours later, concern grew as neither woke up. Arlon was pronounced dead after unsuccessful attempts to revive him, while Miguelito was rushed to the hospital in a coma and placed on life support.
The incident raises serious questions about the role of alcohol in their fate and who should be held accountable for the tragedy.