By Christian Dee
MANILA, Philippines – It was Easter Sunday afternoon, April 9, when a lightning got hit six youths in Barangay Binaton in Digos City, Davao del Sur.
Five out of 6 victims died while only one survived but wounded after a hut that sheltered them from the rain struck by the lightning, according to an officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
CDRRMO Executive Officer Samuel Miralles said that among the dead victims were three (3) women and two (2) men, including Jeramae Cartagena, 16; Glendell Joy Villocino, 17; Valerie Padillo Asotilla, 23; Jonnel Felix Galicia, 19; and John Gabrielle Hersalia, 16.
Clarence Cate Chatto, 21, the lone survivor suffered minor burns and had symptoms of hypothermia. In an interview, Chatto said that his legs hurt, as well as when he tries to open his eyes.
According to a team leader of Digos City DRRMO, Philip June Caminade, the six went to Camp Madeg’ger for a stroll but a heavy rain suddenly fell.
“Nanatili sila sa kubo. Doon tumama ang kidlat sa poste o haligi ng kubo kaya tumilapon silang lahat,” Caminade said to ABS-CBN News.
Chatto also shared that her girlfriend was one of those who died from the incident.
DRRMO advises everyone to avoid going to highlands and open spaces if it rains heavily with lightning.