Fisherman struck dead by lightning

CEBU, Philippines — A 51-year-old fisherman died after he was struck by lightning while fishing in Sitio Takot Kamamsaan, Barangay Tarong, Madridejos town, in Bantayan Island, Friday, May 29.

The victim was identified as 51-year-old Sammy Batiancila Santillan, a fisherman, and a resident of Purok Bakhaw, Barangay Kodia of the said town.

According to Police Captain Jec Seares, chief of Madridejos Police Station, a witness identified as Benie Illustrisimo Auman, 27, saw the victim last Friday morning going to the said place to catch some crabs.

On the day of the incident, the weather forecast of PAGASA Visayas issued at around 10 A.M., revealed that thunderstorms were more likely to develop over various regions including Cebu within 12 hours.

The witness added that while Santillan was in his pump boat, lightning suddenly struck and killed him.

Seares said that based on accounts from the victim’s family and fellow fishermen, the nylon line that the victim was using may have possibly attracted the lightning strike.

However, in an interview with JCAD TV, Ronald Santillan, the victim’s brother believes his brother was not struck directly by lightning, noting that there were no visible indications of a lightning strike and that the victim's body had not sustained any burns.

He added that his brother sustained a wound on the forehead, which he believed may have been caused by a part of the pump boat detaching after ropes holding it back were hit by lightning. The lightning strike also damaged the victim’s boat.

Seares said the victim’s body was already rigid when it was found.

The attending physician of Madridejos Rural Health Unit declared the victim dead at around 1:30 P.M. after the report was received by authorities.

Even as police authorities recommended an autopsy of the victim’s body, his family reportedly refused as they are convinced that no foul play was involved in Santillan’s demise.

In light of the incident, Seares further urged the public to refrain from fishing during periods of rough weather, emphasizing that doing so could help prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities caused by natural hazards such as lightning strikes. — Paul Benedict Sariana, CNU intern/BRP (FREEMAN)