Lightning kills 2 cops

MANILA, Philippines — Two police officers died after they were struck by lightning in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday night.

Patrolmen Laudelino Lomio and Ruzzel Jay Fontarum were found dead in a parking lot of the Mimaropa Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Barangay Pinagsabangan I at around 10:30 p.m.

The officers were about to park their motorcycles amid heavy downpour when lightning struck, according to Brig. Gen. Roger Quesada, Mimaropa police director.

A fellow officer saw the incident and sought the assistance of his colleagues.

They applied first aid before taking the two victims to the Mindoro Medical Center, where the officers were declared dead on arrival.

“Their loss is a painful reminder of the silent risk our personnel face in serving the nation,” Quesada said.

Quesada assured the victims’ families of assistance and grant of their benefits.

A ceremony in honor of the late officers will be conducted at the headquarters, Quesada said.