Gilbert Sanchez, a Filipino man climbed a coconut tree in December 2014 and refused to set foot on the ground afterward. The 60-foot-tall tree in La Paz, Agusan del Sur became his abode despite several attempts to rescue him.
It all started when Sanchez was hit on his head with a gun during an altercation. He became so afraid that someone was after his life that he resorted to living on a tree. While this still sounds to believe, the Filipino spent close to three years on the coconut tree surviving only on the food and water his mother brings to him.
It still remains a wonder how he survived the rains and storms for three years before the tree was cut down. When he was finally brought down, it was not only his body that was damaged but his mind as well. Experts say he exhibited symptoms of psychosis and so he was placed on medication.
Gilbert Sanchez-The Filipino Man Who Lived On A Coconut Tree For 3 Years
According to reports, a Man from La Paz, a municipality in Agusan del Sur province of the Philippines climbed the 60-foot coconut tree near his home in 2014 and refused to get down until authorities decided to forcefully bring him down. It is said that the man, Gilbert Sanchez (also called Caloy) found solace in the tree after he was struck on the head with a gun during a scuffle.
His mother, Winifred (Wenefreda) Sanchez revealed that Gilbert decided to make the tree his home because he became afraid someone would kill him after the gun incident. He believed that making the tallest tree around his home is the best way to protect himself. Thus, he climbed the coconut tree and refused every plea to climb down.
While he relieves himself from the treetop, his mum brought him food and water every day. Gilbert would pull the nourishment up with an improvised rope.
This went on for many, many days (3 years) until big media houses in the Philippines reported the story. It is said that the news outlets’ coverage of the story inspired authorities to forcefully bring the man down from the tree.
Known to be a widower, Sanchez lost his wife while giving birth to their second daughter. The father of two did not even consider coming down after his mother told him she could not cater to his children (Maribell and Langga) due to old age. Even his brother, Aldrin Sanchez, revealed he pleaded with him one time to come down but refused saying someone was after his life.
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What Happened to Gilbert Sanchez?
A team sent to bring him down had to bring the tree down with a chainsaw in 2017. The difficult mission could have cost Gilbert his life if it had gone wrong. Things went as planned and the man once again, touched the ground.
His body was covered in blisters and insect bites. He also suffered from muscle atrophy and his spine was also deformed due to the time he spent couching on the coconut tree.
Besides his body, his mind was also damaged. The psychiatrists that assessed him revealed he had symptoms of psychosis and in order to help him have a normal life, he was placed on medication.
Also, to assist him get his life on track, netizens decided that they make a donation to help him and his family.
