Soldier killed by lightning in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA City, Philippines - A soldier died and another one suffered serious burns after they were struck by lightning while guarding their post Thursday morning in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Police identified the fatality as Private First Class Tumarong while his injured companion was Private First Class Jemar Destrajo, both members of the 6th Special Forces Battalion.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of Zamboanga Peninsula Police Regional Office, said that the two soldiers were hit by the lightning while at their posts in sitio DK, Barangay Libertad shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday.

The two victims were rushed to the Ipil Provincial Hospital for treatment, but Tumarong was declared dead on arrival while Destrajo, who suffered burns had been declared in stable condition and was continuously undergoing treatment.

On Wednesday afternoon, a fisherman was also killed by a lightning that struck a fishing boat in waters off Basilan province.