Three women die, nine other family members hurt in lightning strike

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A lightning strike claimed the lives of three women, including a 14-year-old pregnant girl, in Banate, Iloilo afternoon of May 8, 2023.

Mila Soberano, 38; Rosalie Soberano, 48, and alias Arianna, were believed to have instantly died after they were hit by lightning.

They were rushed to Gov. Niel D Tupas District Hospital in Barotac Viejo town but were declared dead on arrival.

Injured were Felomino Sadiang-ibon, 77; Janelyn Igona, 38; Carlo Soberano, 11; Jumar Soberano, 42; Larry Soberano, 30; Sharime Soberano, 20; IJ Soberano, 20; Aime Soberano, 14; and Ivan Soberano, 44. All are residents of Barangay Libertad, Banate.

Lieutenant Dandy Ilalto, Banate police chief, said the family was into charcoal production as a means of livelihood

“They were either cousins, siblings, nephews, or nieces. The 14-year-old pregnant girl is not related by blood to them but her boyfriend was a family member of the other victims,” he said.

As they were gathering their produce around 2:18 p.m. Monday at Sitio Giragid, Barangay Magdalo, there was a sudden moderate downpour.

They immediately sought shelter in a barn owned by Sadiang-ibon.

Some slumped on the soil pavement while others just stood up.

One of the survivors claimed that those who were sitting got the brunt of the lighting.

A responding medical team took the victims to the hospital.

While the three did not make it, the nine victims were released after treatment.