By MARK REY MONTEJO
Engineer Philipp Santiago II, a Filipino expedition climber, has died during their quest to reach the perilous summit of Mt. Everest, Nepal’s new agency The Himalayan Times reported Thursday, May 15. He was 45.
Santiago passed away while he and the members of the 2025 Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar- Snowy Everest Expedition prepared for the summit push, according to Bodhraj Bhandari, managing director at Snowy Horizon Treks.
With the efforts of the team members, Santiago’s body will be brought back to their base camp.
Santiago’s cause of death is yet to be disclosed, but his cousin, broadcast journalist Emil Sumangil, had asked for privacy regarding the unfortunate event.
“Our family is asking for prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved Engr. Philipp PJ Santiago II. We also continue to pray for the safety and well-being of Karl Miguel Santiago during this difficult time,” Sumangil wrote.
“The family respectfully requests privacy as we grieve and process these events. Your understanding, support, and prayers are deeply appreciated,” he added. Maraming Salamat po.”
