ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Three Boy Scouts tragically lost their lives, and 12 others sustained injuries after an electrocution incident during the Philippine Boy Scouts Jamboree at Climaco Freedom Park in Barangay Pasonanca on Thursday, December 12.
The accident occurred as scouts were transferring a tent to the site of the event’s opening program. The metal frame of the tent accidentally came into contact with a live, low-lying electric wire, resulting in a powerful surge of electricity. The victims, aged between 9 and 22, were rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), but three were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The Victims and Their Dedication
The fatalities were identified as:
- Kevin Emmanuel Iguid, 17, Zamboanga City High School
- Geoffree Guilar Atilano, 17, Zamboanga City High School
- Alvin Aguilar Gasfar, 17, Recodo National High School
Twelve others suffered injuries ranging from burns to other effects of electrocution. The hospitalized scouts are:
- Fraziel Arkasaha Sahibuddin, 12, Tulungatung
- Alwin Macaso Manding, 12, Tulungatung
- Nashmar Jawadin Haradji, 11, Tulungatung
- John Pabuaya Magquilat, 17
- Aldrian Halun Majid, 18, Recodo
- Jerome Ampahan Ochea, 17, Recodo
- Axxelle Shawn Garcia, 18, Cabatangan
- Francis Xavier Ganob Francisco, 16, Lumbangan
- Rochel Lou Puhayan Hera, age undisclosed, Maasin
- Gestony Ralph Coronel Lai, 11, Baluno
Jamboree Canceled in Light of the Incident
The four-day Jamboree, which had been anticipated to bring together 2,000 scouts from various schools to foster camaraderie, leadership, and skill-building, was immediately canceled by Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe to ensure the safety of the remaining participants. The event, scheduled from December 12 to 15, was cut short before the official opening ceremony.
“The safety of all participants is our utmost priority,” said Mayor Dalipe, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims.
Boy Scouts of the Philippines Takes Responsibility
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) expressed deep sorrow over the tragic turn of events. BSP-Zamboanga Council chairperson, Attorney Jose Rizalindo Ortega, stated, “The Boy Scouts of the Philippines takes full responsibility. What happened was unforeseen, and no one wanted it.”
Ortega assured families that all necessary assistance, including financial support and refunds for canceled activities, would be provided. He also noted that safety protocols, including standby medics and ambulances, had been followed but could not prevent the tragedy.
Power Distributor Responds
Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO), whose live wire caused the electrocution, extended its condolences to the victims’ families and vowed to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations. “We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking event. May their souls rest in peace, and may their families find strength in this difficult time,” ZAMCELCO stated.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are conducting a thorough probe to determine the circumstances leading to the accident, including whether the placement of the low-lying electric wire complied with safety regulations. The Zamboanga City Police and CDRRMO are collaborating on the investigation.
A Community in Mourning
The accident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of youth leadership and camaraderie. Parents, scouts, and organizers expressed their grief and solidarity with the victims’ families. For the community, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in large gatherings.
As Zamboanga City mourns the loss of these promising young individuals, the call for accountability and safety intensifies, ensuring that no similar tragedy mars future events.