Lightning kills farmer, hurts 4 others in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — A farmer was killed while four others were hurt after they were struck by lightning in San Miguel town, Leyte province on Wednesday morning.

Police said Rexie Siguijod, 35 and a resident of Sitio Malipuron, Barangay Guinciaman, San Miguel, was directly hit by lightning and was immediately rushed to Rural Health Unit of San Miguel, but he was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Michelle Joy Sanchez.

Meanwhile, his four companions — Erlinda Solayao 60, single; Vima Antoni, 59; Marilyn Erandio,42; and Zaldy Antoni 20 — all farmers and residents of Malipuron — were hurt. They were brought to the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in the capital city of Tacloban, Leyte.

Reports from the local police said that the Siguijod and his companions were planting palay when lightning struck (Editor: Eden Estopace)