FOLLOWING the lightning incident in Digos City that struck and killed five people, the camp area has been closed.
On April 9, 2023, six people were struck by lightning in a hut in Camp Madigger, Digos City. This resulted in the death of five people and injuring another. The six of them were about to go home when a thunderstorm occurred.
Victims were identified and reported to be dead on the spot; Glendelle Joy Villocino, 17; Valerie Asutilla, 23; John Gabriel Hersania, 15; Geramie Cartagena, 18; and Jonmel Galicia, 19; while Clarence Cate Chatto, 21 was sent to the hospital.
Police Regional Office Davao Region (PRO-Davao) said to ensure the safety of the people and visitors, the area has been cordoned.
“We should not allow people to go to that place as of now for there might be another lightning strike,” PRO-Davao regional director said in an ambush interview on April 10, 2023.
In an interview with PTV Davao, the Office of the Civil Defense Davao Region (OCD-Davao) Chief Operations Section Franz Irag said that Digos City has been experiencing heavy rain with thunder and lightning due to the low-pressure area that entered the Philippine area of responsibility.
He added that Dabawenyos should stay vigilant as the weather is not good.
Meanwhile, PRO-Davao spokesperson PMaj. Eudisan Gultiano said in an online message sent to SunStar Davao on April 11, that the injured individual, Chatto, is still in the hospital. (KSD)