ORMOC CITY– A 16-year-old boy helping cut down a coconut tree was killed after the tree unexpectedly fell toward him on Wednesday morning, December 3, in Barangay Mabuligon, Matuguinao, Samar.
Police identified the victim only as “Jake,” a resident of the same barangay. The individuals involved in the cutting operation were identified as alias “Allan,” the tree owner, and alias “Sinio,” 51, who was cutting the tree at the time of the incident.
According to a report submitted to Police Regional Office-8, “Allan” and “Sinio” personally went to the Matuguinao Municipal Police Station at around 10:15 a.m. to report that a tree-cutting activity had resulted in the fatal injury of the victim.
Responding police officers proceeded to the site and were informed that residents had already brought the boy to the rural health unit for immediate treatment.
Initial investigation showed that “Sinio” was cutting the coconut tree with an axe under the instruction of “Allan,” while the victim assisted by pulling a rope tied to the trunk to guide its fall. However, due to the lack of safety precautions, the tree suddenly tilted toward the boy, striking him and causing fatal injuries.
Barangay officials and residents rushed the victim to the Matuguinao Rural Health Unit, but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Both “Allan” and “Sinio” voluntarily submitted themselves to the police for documentation and further investigation.
(ROBERT DEJON)
