ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Tragedy struck the 2024 Council Scout Jamboree early Thursday morning, December 12, when three senior Boy Scout leaders lost their lives to electrocution while setting up camp at Climaco Freedom Park in Abong-Abong, Barangay Pasonanca.
The accident occurred when the scouts were transferring a tent from one area to another, and a part of the structure came into contact with a live wire, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Apart from the fatalities, 11 other individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) for treatment.
City Government Responds
Mayor John Dalipe immediately canceled the four-day jamboree, which was set to take place from December 12 to 15 with an estimated 2,000 participants. The mayor, who personally visited ZCMC to oversee the response, assured the victims and their families of full support.
“We will mobilize all government resources to provide assistance to the bereaved families and those injured in this tragic incident. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims,” Dalipe said.
He also ordered the creation of an inter-agency task group to investigate the incident, including police, city officials, and safety experts. The task group, led by the Critical Incident Management Task Group, will examine all aspects of the incident to determine potential liabilities.
Investigation Underway
City Police OIC Director Col. Kimberly Molitas confirmed the activation of the task group to look into the incident. “We will explore all angles to determine if there is any liability on the part of the organizers or other parties involved,” Molitas said.
The names of the three deceased scouts have been temporarily withheld as they are minors. However, it was disclosed that two of the victims were students of Zamboanga City High School, and the third was from Recodo National High School.
Event Disrupted, Participants Sent Home
The 2024 Council Scout Jamboree, organized by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Zamboanga City Council, was supposed to promote camaraderie, leadership, and skill-building among scouts. However, the first day turned somber as participants began to head home by noon following the mayor’s cancellation order.
Support and Safety Measures
In addition to ensuring burial expenses for the fatalities and medical support for the injured, Mayor Dalipe directed the establishment of an incident command center at the jamboree site to coordinate ongoing operations.
The mayor also emphasized the need for stronger safety protocols moving forward, to prevent such tragic accidents in the future.
Community in Mourning
The untimely deaths of the three scouts have left Zamboanga City in mourning. Parents, school officials, and fellow scouts expressed grief over the incident, which has overshadowed what was meant to be a celebration of youth leadership and teamwork.
As investigations proceed, the city government is focused on providing aid to those affected and ensuring accountability for the incident, so no similar tragedies occur in future events.