2 died, one injured in Boracay electrical incident, investigation ongoing

The Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) is investigating the electrical incident that killed two victims and critically injured a pregnant woman in Barangay Yapak in Boracay Island. 

The high-voltage primary line wires of Akelco accidentally hit the ground for unknown reasons near the house of Rosita Salibio that left her daughter seven-year old Arnelyn Salibio and their neighbour Christina Matillano dead at around 9 a.m. of November 5.

Matillano, 31, died on the spot from injuries sustained in the electrical incident while the younger Salibio was declared dead on arrival in a medical clinic in Barangay Balabag. 

The 41-year old Rosita Salibio, who is also pregnant, remains in critical condition in a hospital in Kalibo, Aklan. 

Akelco manager Engr. Alexis Regalado said a group of Akelco engineers will lead the investigation on the incident and a separate probe from Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) Aklan chapter in collaboration with the Scene of Crime Operations (SOCO).

Regalado said the sole power distributor is also ready to extend assistance to the bereaved families as he also expressed condolences to the unfortunate deaths of Salibio and Matillano. 

“May possible fault ang linya and unfortunately the line dropped near the house of Salibio,” he added. 

Police Officer Officer 3 Reynan Thor Prado, investigator of Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC), said a primary line of Akelco accidentally dropped while the victims were standing three meters away from the house of Salibio near the main Yapak road. 

Prado said witnesses heard a loud explosion before the victims were electrocuted on the ground. Neighbors also tried to help the victims, but to no avail. 

The investigator added Matillano, a native of Pandan, Sta. Fe, Romblon and temporarily staying at the back of Salibio’s house, went to the house of Salibio to buy papaya when the incident happened.

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL