Three Boy Scouts died, and 11 others were injured after being electrocuted at a jamboree site in Abong-Abong, Zamboanga City, on Thursday morning, December 12.
The incident occurred when a tent with metal components being moved by the group struck a low-hanging power cable belonging to the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative. The sudden surge of electricity claimed the lives of Kevin Iquid, Geoffrey Atillano, and Alvin Gaspar.
According to Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding of the Zamboanga City Police, the injured students were rushed to a nearby hospital by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Three remain in critical condition, sparking concerns for their survival.
The local government has pledged financial assistance to the victims’ families and medical support for the injured. Authorities are investigating the safety measures at the event to prevent similar accidents.
This tragic incident has raised questions about the adequacy of electrical safety protocols at public gatherings, especially involving minors. The Boy Scouts’ community and their families mourn the loss of young lives cut short by this preventable accident.
