Lightning "kills" fisher in Naga

CEBU, Philippines - A 52-year-old fisherman was found dead in the municipal waters in barangay Colon, City of Naga yesterday morning after having been struck allegedly by lightning.

Police identified the man as Rolando Lim, a resident of barangay Central Poblacion.

But Lim’s death confuses police investigators — his body shows no burns.

Lim was found by passing fishermen.

From a near distance, his boat seemed empty but when they got close to it, they found Lim in a sitting position, unconscious, his fishing line still in his hand.

Police brought the body to the Minglanilla District Hospital, where Lim was declared dead.

PO1 Marlon Añabeza, Naga City Police Station’s desk officer, said Lim may have been hit by lightning, as eyewitnesses said there were flashes of lightning seen in that area where he was found.

But the police had already ordered for an autopsy of the body.

Veronica Lim, 46, wife of the victim, said her husband left their house at around 5:00 in the morning. She tried to dissuade him from going but he was adamant saying he had missed the sea what with three days of bad weather.

She said that morning there was light rain and thunder but did not expect lightning would strike her husband.

It was Romualdo’s companion who informed Veronica about her husband’s death.

Veronica said Romualdo’s body was bruised when taken to the South General Hospital.

“Nanghumok pa gyud ang walang dughan niya,” she said.

 Barangay Captain Annabelle Uy said the barangay will give financial assistance to the family. She will also request assistance from the Naga City government through Mayor Valdemar Chiong.

The body was taken to the St. Peter Funeral Homes in Carcar City. (FREEMAN)