Two cops die as lightning strikes Oriental Mindoro police HQ

Police inspect the area where two officers were killed in a lightning strike after the cops parked their motorcycles at the Mimaropa Regional Mobile Force Battalion headquarters in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on Wednesday evening, May 14, 2025. (Photo from the Police Regional Office 4B)

MANILA, Philippines — Two police officers were killed after lightning struck the Mimaropa Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) headquarters in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

According to a report from the Police Regional Office 4B (PRO 4B) on Thursday morning, the incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

“The weather condition at the time of the incident was raining heavily when both personnel were parking their motorcycle at the said parking area,” the police report said.

“Suddenly, a series of lightning struck at the said place where both personnel were present at that time,” it added.

The victims were identified as Patrolmen Ruzzel Jay Fontarum, 28, and Laudelino Lomio II, 31.

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The police report added that another patrolman on a roving inspection spotted their bodies.

The cop sought assistance from other personnel and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Fontarum and Lomio were taken to the Mindoro Medical Center and were pronounced dead on arrival.

In a statement on Thursday, PRO 4B Director Brig. Gen. Roger Quesada expressed their condolences to the two officers’ families.

“We are committed to providing full assistance, benefits and honors to ensure their sacrifices are rightfully recognized and their families supported during this difficult time,” Quesada said.