Meter reader dies of electrocution

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A meter reader of Iloilo Electric Cooperative 2 was found dead on the evening of November 22 in Lambunao, Iloilo.

Police identified the victim as a 25-year-old man known as alias “Herjon” of Barangay Cauayan, Pototan, who was believed to have died of electrocution.

Reports said his family began searching for him after he failed to return home and stopped answering calls.

They contacted his supervisor, who said he did not know the victim’s whereabouts.

The supervisor later traced the areas where the meter reader had been assigned and also asked the Barangay Sibacungan captain if anyone had seen him.

The victim’s motorcycle was eventually found parked near the barangay hall.

Lt. Wendy Ojana, Lambunao deputy police chief, said they received a call around 8:30 p.m. reporting that the victim’s body had been found in Barangay Sibacungan.

She said the victim was found slumped on the ground while holding an electric wire.

Ojana said the victim could have accidentally touched a live wire and been electrocuted.

Police said they waited for personnel from ILECO 2 and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to clear the area for safety.

The victim was brought to Dr. Ricardo Ladrido Memorial Hospital in Lambunao, where he was declared dead on arrival at 11 p.m. Saturday.