Needlefish kills fisherman in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA City, Philippines - An estimated one-foot long swordfish, locally known as 'balu,' lunged from water and accidentally struck a fisherman in his throat in the coastal waters east of this city early Tuesday.

The swordfish got stuck in the throat of fishermen Jesus Guerrero, 63, a resident of Sitio Gapuh, Barangay Talabaan.

Senior Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo, acting chief of the city police, said that the victim with his son and brother were dragging their fish hooks to check their catch when the swordfish suddenly lunged from the water and darted towards the victim.

"The victim removed the fish [from his throat], but died later," Malayo said.

He said the victim died while his son was trying to save him.