Man Dies on Birthday in Suspected Electrofishing Incident

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A man celebrating his birthday on May 21 died of suspected electrocution while fishing in a river in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

Police identified the victim only as Jestonie, 33, a resident of Barangay Banguit, Cabatuan.

He was with his friend Eduardo and four children when they went to the Tigum River to catch fish for his birthday celebration.

Captain Aileen Lacrite, chief of the Cabatuan Police Station, said the incident occurred just 500 meters from the victim’s home.

They had reportedly finished fishing around 11 a.m. and were preparing to head home when the accident happened.

Jestonie was rolling a wire when it came into contact with the fishing rod.

He was rushed to Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Lacrite discouraged the use of electricity in fishing activities.

Electrofishing creates an electric field in the water to attract and temporarily immobilize fish with minimal distress and no long-term harm.

However, it also poses risks, including electric shocks, burns, involuntary muscle spasms, heart failure or neurological damage.

Such injuries typically occur when a person comes into contact with energized electrodes.