A FISHERMAN died after he was believed to have been struck by lightning while fishing in Barangay Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.
Teodolito Intan, 38, a father of eight children, left his house to fish despite the bad weather to provide food for his family.
His live-in partner, 35-year-old Teresita Caay, had just given birth to their youngest child last July 1.
Caay said that when she took off Intan’s bonnet after the incident, she noticed his face showed signs of trauma and he had bloodshot eyes.
Caay said there was also a visible hole in his small wooden boat.
“We have eight children and we all relied on him. Now, he is gone. We never expected this tragedy,” said Caay in Cebuano.
As they face an uncertain future, Caay called on the City Government for help.
In a statement, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said the family will receive financial assistance to cover Intan’s burial expenses and wake arrangements.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office will also provide relief boxes to the family.
Cause of death
Authorities are still waiting for the autopsy report from the Scene of the Crime Operatives to determine whether the fisherman was indeed struck by lightning.
Lapu-Lapu City Police Office spokesman Lt. Col. Christian Torres said initial investigation reveals that except for a small burn on Intan’s abdomen, there were no other visible burn marks on his body.
As a standard procedure, police have recommended an autopsy to confirm whether the cause of death was due to a lightning strike or if foul play was involved.
Meanwhile, Pagasa weather specialist Joemer Eclarino said if thunderstorm advisories are issued, the public should be aware of potential hazards such as lightning, strong winds and heavy rain.
Thunderstorm advisories were issued for Metro Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City on Tuesday due to localized thunderstorms.
Eclarino advised people to avoid staying at sea if they observe dark, towering clouds or hear thunder as bodies of water and metal objects are excellent conductors of electricity.
“As much as possible, seek shelter in the safest location and stay away from bodies of water, isolated trees and telephone poles. Do not hold electronics, gadgets, or switch the main breaker during a storm,” said Eclarino in a mix of Cebuano and English. / DPC