Young Student in Masbate Lost His Life Due to Typhoon Opong
A talented young student has lost his life during the devastation of Typhoon Opong in Masbate City.
The fury of Typhoon Opong claimed the life of a young student whose talent and dreams inspired many. Brian, a gifted artist and campus journalist, lost his life when a weakened wall from a neighbor’s burned-down house collapsed onto his bedroom in the early hours of Friday morning (September 26, 2025).
The wall, already fragile from a past fire, finally gave way as the storm battered the province. Brian’s father, Emmanuel Bolaño, a firefighter, thought his family was safe inside their sturdy home.
On duty that morning to assist other residents affected by the typhoon, he was unaware that tragedy was unfolding in his own house. Before dawn, his mother reassured him over the phone that everything was fine, but soon after, the devastating call came Brian was trapped.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Brian did not survive. His passing has left a deep wound on his family, who remember him as a devoted son and grandson, as well as on his classmates and teachers who admired his artistry, discipline, and kind heart.
“Sinubukan ko, ako mismo ni-revive ko pa rin ang anak. Sa sobrang hindi ko matanggap, ang isip ko, hindi ko susukuan ang anak ko. Pero hindi na talaga, wala na talaga,” Emmanuel said.
He was known for his editorial cartoons and award-winning posters, and many believed he had a bright future ahead.
Brian is one of at least nine confirmed fatalities in Masbate due to the typhoon. The storm’s destruction toppled electric poles, uprooted trees, and left much of the province in darkness. Power and communication lines remain unstable, while thousands of families continue to rely on relief efforts for food and clean water.
Governor Richard Kho assured residents that restoration is underway, with support from energy agencies and telecommunication firms.
The internet users expressed their reactions to the incident:
