Man zapped to death in Toledo

CEBU, Philippines — A 26-year-old man died after being electrocuted when he tried to grab a wet towel hanging from a barbed wire at his home in Barangay Sangi, Toledo City on Saturday afternoon, April 4.

The deceased was identified as Jesfil Lunesa Gako, who has a live-in partner and two young children.

Based on the initial investigation by the Toledo City Police Station, the incident occurred at around 4:30 p.m. after the victim had lunch.

Gako reportedly entered his room and attempted to retrieve a wet towel hanging from a barbed wire. At that moment, the victim was unaware that the barbed wire was electrically energized, causing him to be electrocuted.

Due to the electric current, the victim was unable to release his grip from the wire.

The relatives of the victim immediately tried to revive him and transported him to the Toledo City General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead on arrival.

The incident was immediately reported to the city police by his brother, Mark Jason Gako, at around 5:00 p.m.

According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Barraquio, officer-in-charge of the Toledo City Police Station, the wire from which the towel was hanging had been nailed near a light switch.

He said the nail might have caught on the wire, causing the electricity to flow.

“Yung wire na sinampayan niya ay nasa loob ng room, (habang) yung pinakuan nila na pinagtalian ng wire nalapit sa switch (at) possible na may nadali na wire sa pinagpakuan,” he told The FREEMAN yesterday.

Barraquio added that authorities monitor incidents like this during the summer vacation, along with frequent reports of drowning and traffic incidents.

He reminded the public to be vigilant, especially if there are live wires nearby that could potentially cause accidents.

“We urge everyone to be extra cautious, especially when dealing with or staying near live electrical wiring. Please avoid contact and maintain a safe distance to prevent accidents,” he said.