A 51-year-old fisherman died after reportedly being struck by lightning while harvesting crabs during bad weather on Friday morning, May 29, 2026, in Sitio Takot Kamamsaan, Barangay Tarong, Madridejos, Bantayan, Cebu.
The victim was identified as Sammy Batiancila Santillan, a bachelor and resident of Purok Bakhaw, Barangay Kodia, Madridejos. He was declared dead by Dr. Honey Lee Omol Sevillejo of the Madridejos Rural Health Unit (RHU) at around 1:30 p.m. on the same day.
In an interview with SunStar Superbalita Cebu, Police Captain Jec Seares, chief of the Madridejos Police Station, revealed that a certain Benie Illustrisimo Auman, 27, from Barangay Maalat, saw the victim at the site of the incident.
According to Seares, Santillan was harvesting crabs in the area amidst heavy rain, accompanied by continuous lightning and thunder. "The lightning was very strong along with thunder and rain. The victim was unfortunately hit," Seares said.
Due to the force of the impact, the wooden part of the victim's boat was shattered and broken. The victim's forehead was also hit by a splinter of wood that was dislodged.
Seares explained, based on statements from relatives and fellow fishermen, that the victim used nylon, which they believed conducted the electricity from the lightning.
The police initially suggested an autopsy on the victim's body, but the family refused because they were convinced there was no foul play and that it was a pure accident.
