3 dead, 10 hurt in lightning strikes

MANILA, Philippines – Three persons died and 10 others were injured after they were hit by lightning in South Cotabato, Camarines Norte and Quirino on Monday.

Joey Aras, 36, was a using his mobile phone at a rice field in Barangay Sto. Niño in Talisay, Camarines Norte when lightning struck, said Senior Inspector Ryan Rimando, acting Talisay police chief.

Aras died while being treated at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Daet town.

In Surallah town in South Cotabato, banana farm workers Danny Danao, 23, and Nestor Feller, 38, were on a motorcycle on their way home from the Sumifro Cavendish banana plantation when they were hit by lightning during a downpour.

Chief Inspector Joel Fuerte of the Surallah police said the victims were pronounced dead on arrival in a hospital.

Meanwhile, 10 persons were hospitalized after being hit by lightning inside their house in Barangay Alicia in Aglipay, Quirino. ?

Joselito Ignacio, 50; his wife Myrna, 43; Daniel Ignacio, 27; Michele Ignacio, 19; Gerald Ignacio, 7; Mayumi Eugenio, 10; Ruben Baysa, 26; Nelmar Ignacio, 21; Arlyn Baysa, 26, and her daughter Realyn, 4, were brought to the Quirino Medical Center for treatment of burns.

The incident occurred during a thunderstorm at around 4 p.m.