Lighting strike kills siblings in Northern Samar

CATARMAN, Philippines  – Two siblings died after they were struck by lightning while working on their rice field at Sitio Carugyao, Barangay Osmeña in Palapag town of this province Thursday morning.

Police Major Joseph Quilitano, Palapag chief of police, identified the victims as Arnel Laoreno Jr.  21,  and his younger sister Airene, 18,—both residents of Barangay Laniwan, Palapag.

Investigation revealed that around 10 a.m. on Thursday, the siblings were attending to their farm along with their father, Arnel Sr., when they were caught in a heavy downpour. The three then took shelter in a nearby nipa hut.

Police said Arnel and Ariane were struck by lightning as they were making their way to the hut.

Their father is now in a state of shock after the incident, Quilitano said.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)