Fisher dies, 2 brothers hurt in Negros lightning strike

BACOLOD CITY – A fisherman died while his two brothers suffered minor injuries after lightning hit them during a heavy downpour in Sitio Roma, Barangay Balaring, Silay City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, Aug. 14.

Police Lt. Col. Robert Petate, Silay City police chief, identified the fatality as Ron Sabadisto, 44, of Barangay 5.

Petate said Sabadisto and his brothers aged 41 and 55, as well as his nephew, went fishing on the shoreline despite a heavy downpour.

Petate said the victims were on a boat when lightning hit Sabadisto.

One of Sabadisto’s brothers, who was beside him, suffered electric shock, while the other managed to jump into the sea, Petate said. The 20-year-old nephew was unharmed.

Sabadisto succumbed to severe burns on his body. His siblings had been discharged from a hospital.