Hubby to sue electric coop over wife’s death

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A husband will sue Capiz Electric Cooperative (Capelco) over the death of his wife after months of hospital confinement due to an electrocution incident at Brgy. Milan, Jamindan, Capiz.

Judy Agustino said in a media interview that they will file appropriate legal action against Capelco management for allegedly ignoring its obligation to his wife Rubelyn and him after they were injured in an incident.

The incident happened in November 2021 while they were on their way to Altavas, Aklan to buy fish for their vending business.

The couple’s motorcycle accidentally tangled with Capelco’s secondary wire.

Rubelyn died on March 10, 2022 after three months of confinement at the intensive care unit (ICU) of West Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City.

The Agustinos are residents of Brgy. Jaena Norte in Jamindan, Capiz.

The husband was also electrocuted but he did not stay long in the hospital as he only suffered minor injuries.

Rubelyn was first treated in a hospital here, but she was transferred to Iloilo City after her condition deteriorated.

The couple’s hospital bill totaled P3 million. Judy said Capelco gave them P10,000 as financial assistance but it was not even enough for the medicines.

Engr. Edgar Diaz, Capelco general manager, welcomed the case to be filed by the Agustinos.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Guardian, Diaz said the Capelco management has no obligation to the Agustinos.

He said the motorcycle used by the couple has no official receipt (OR) and certificate of registration (CR) from the Land Transportation Office. The driver has no valid driver’s license, too.

“I welcome whatever charges they want to file as we are ready to face it,” he said, adding that the cooperative’s board of directors has approved the management’s move.