Resort not liable for pool boy’s death

CEBU, Philippines - The management of the resort in Lapu-Lapu City where a pool attendant was electrocuted Tuesday does not have liability over the death of the victim, according to the Commission on Human Rights-7.

Primo Cadampog, chief investigator of the Commission on Human Rights -7, said that the resort is not liable as the victim, Axiel Augusto, was not directly under the hotel but of Trans Orient Manpower Services.

Cadampog said that if the manpower services would not extend assistance to the victim’s family, then the CHR can conduct an investigation.

“They can execute an affidavit aron dili mag-usab-usab ang statement unya dunay witness and submit it to our office, kana kung duna silay reklamo,” Cadampog said.

In a separate interview with the agency, they are still conducting a meeting to evaluate what kind of assistance they could give to the bereaved family of Augusto.

“So far wala pay information kung unsay mahatag kay istoryahan pa kung unsay matabang,” John Michael Feñerpida, agency coordinator, said.

He added that there is financial assistance but he could not give the possible amount.

Augusto was with fellow worker, Emelito Rosales when they were cleaning the jacuzzi of the resort.

Meanwhile, the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office has ruled out foul play in the death of Augusto, 36. 

Police Chief Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office said yesterday that based on their investigation, Augusto’s death was an accident.

The public relations manager of the resort said that they are closely working with the Trans Orient Manpower Services for assistance they can provide to Augusto’s family. 

 “Although the deceased is not a direct employee, we will give assistance to the family through the course of the agency”, Sy said.

Lenie Almoroto, the partner of the victim, said she is still coping on the death of her partner. “Plano nako nga linawon tanan kay nag-atiman pa ko sa angay nakong buhaton,” she said.

 Augusto left four children ages 6, 5, 2 and 1. Almoroto is currently jobless and said that she hopes to get financial assistance from the agency and the resort. (FREEMAN)