By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – An 11-year-old boy died after being electrocuted Friday morning, March 14, at Sitio Dulunan, Barangay Mongpong.
The victim, identified only as alias Tambe, was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.
Another boy sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Police said the victim and two other boys were playing near a fishpond around 7 a.m. when he accidentally struck a bamboo post holding a live electrical wire.
The post fell, causing the boy to come into contact with the wire, electrocuting him.
One of his companions was also electrocuted but survived with minor injuries.
Jojo Alegre, 43, a fishpond caretaker, said he had twice warned the children not to play near the bamboo post due to the live wire.
He explained that the wire was connected to a nipa hut, where a CCTV camera was installed to monitor the fishpond for theft at night.
Alegre apologized for the incident and, along with the fishpond owner, vowed to assist the victims’ families.
Barangay Mongpong officials, led by Punong Barangay Ricardo Donato, have coordinated with the Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO) to address the electrical issue and prevent future incidents.
Donato said the village officials will also provide assistance to the victim’s family.
