COLUMBIO, Sultan Kudarat — A male farm laborer was injured after his left leg was caught in the grinder of a corn sheller while working on harvested corn in Barangay Sinapulan, Columbio, on Friday morning, January 2, 2026.
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Columbio, the incident occurred at around 11:45 a.m. in Purok 5, Barangay Sinapulan. Initial reports said the victim accidentally slipped while operating the corn sheller, causing his left foot and leg to be pulled into the machine’s grinder.
The Columbio Emergency Response Team (CERT) immediately responded after receiving the report. Rescuers conducted an initial assessment, administered first aid, and rushed the injured laborer to the Columbio Infirmary Hospital for further medical treatment and evaluation. Authorities said the victim is currently in stable condition.
Following the incident, local authorities renewed their call for strict safety measures in handling farm machinery, stressing that accidents involving agricultural equipment can be life-threatening if proper precautions are ignored.
The MDRRMO and local officials reminded farmers and farm workers to always wear appropriate protective gear, ensure machines are placed on stable ground, avoid operating equipment when tired or during unsafe conditions, and never bypass safety guards or protocols. They also emphasized the importance of proper training and supervision, especially when using heavy or mechanized farm tools such as corn shellers and grinders.
“Farm machinery is meant to ease work, not endanger lives,” authorities stressed, urging farm owners and workers to prioritize safety over speed to prevent similar incidents in the future.