FIVE persons were killed when a lightning struck a hilltop hut in Davao del Sur on Easter Sunday, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said yesterday.
Samuel Miralles, CDRRMO executive officer , identified the fatalities as Valerie Padillo Asotilla, 23, Jonnel Felix Galicia, 19; Glendell Joy Villocino, 17; John Gabrielle Hersalia, 16; and Jeramae Cartagena, 16.
Asotilla, Hersalia, Galicia and Cartagena died on the spot while Villocino was declared dead on arrival at Digos Doctor’s Hospital.
The lone survivor, Clarence Cate Chatto, the 21-year-lold boyfriend of Asotilla, was slightly injured. He is now in a stable condition at the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital.
Investigation showed the victims trekked to
Camp Madigger mountaintop in Bgy. Binaton for a picnic.
The group were on their way home when rain fell, prompting them to seek refuge in the hut. They were waiting for the heavy rain to subside when lightning struck.
The CDRRMO rescue unit, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, village officials and the Kabalikat Radio Group members worked together to bring the victims downhill.
About the Author
