Tatay Elmer, 78-year-old PISTON member, suffers heart attack amid transport strike

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A 78-year-old former jeepney driver and member of transport group PISTON suffered a heart attack while participating in the group’s transport strike in Monumento, Caloocan City on Tuesday.

Elmer Cordero was at the group’s strike center when he suddenly sat down and experienced difficulty breathing, according to a report of GMA News' Gabriel Gonzales.

PISTON - National Capital Region secretary general Janette Gabatin said Cordero reportedly did not complain of feeling unwell before the incident.

He later lost consciousness and was rushed to the Caloocan City Medical Center, where he remains confined.

His condition remains unstable, with his companions saying doctors have yet to determine whether he is already in a coma.

Cordero also reportedly had asthma and had been experiencing back pain.

His age and other health conditions may have contributed to the complications affecting his condition.

Cordero was among the six PISTON members arrested and detained in 2020 after joining a protest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities at the time said the demonstration violated quarantine protocols.

The charges against the PISTON 6 were later dropped.

Cordero had worked as a jeepney driver for about 50 years and remained active in the group’s campaigns for drivers’ rights.

PISTON described him as an inspiration to fellow drivers because of his dedication to organizing and mobilizing members.

The group said Cordero continued to participate in the protest despite his age and frail physical condition, joining the call against rising fuel prices.

PISTON appealed for financial assistance to help cover Cordero’s hospital expenses. —AOL, GMA News