Philippine Red Cross honors volunteer Jose Ian Ho, the Cebu earthquake hero who died saving his son

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is mourning the loss of Jose Ian R. Ho, a dedicated volunteer who died protecting his son during the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu Province last month.

- By MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

FROM REDEMPTION TO HEROISM. PRC volunteer Jose Ian Ho found purpose through service and made the ultimate sacrifice saving his son in the Cebu earthquake. (PRC Photo)

(PRC Photo)

PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon and Secretary General Gwen T. Pang visited Ho's wake on Oct. 4, expressing condolences and honoring his years of service.

Both leaders described the visit as a deeply emotional moment, remembering Ho not just as a volunteer but as a man whose life embodied courage, compassion, and redemption.

On the night of the earthquake, Sept. 30, PRC said Ian had just returned home from Red Cross duty in Bogo City.

At around 9:59 p.m., tremors rocked the province, severely damaging Bogo City, Medellin, and San Remigio. When PRC Bogo chapter tried to reach him for duty recall, he could no longer be contacted.