A 9-year-old boy was electrocuted and died after climbing the gate of a shop in Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City.
The victim, identified as Prince, a resident of Christian Village in the same barangay, reportedly touched a live wire attached to the gate, which caused his death. His grandmother, Imelda Ancot, expressed deep sorrow, saying she had already told the boy to come home for dinner and avoid wandering outside.
Adding to her grief, Ancot said the incident comes less than a year after the death of her husband, the boy’s grandfather.
According to witness Ronem Jay Pinongpong, they immediately called rescuers and barangay officials before going live on social media, unsure of how to handle the dangerous situation and prevent others from being harmed.
The shop owner declined to appear on camera but admitted that an electric line had been installed on the gate to deter repeated thefts. They claimed that neighbors had been warned to avoid the electrified fence for safety.
Authorities are now investigating the incident to determine potential liabilities and whether the shop’s security measure violates existing laws on public safety.
