KIAMBA, Sarangani Province — A heartbreaking tragedy struck Barangay Luma in the municipality of Kiamba after two 11-year-old students lost their lives when they were electrocuted while picking santol fruits that they intended to bring to their school’s Nutrition Month culmination activity.
The victims were identified as Alex Palmes and Clyde Glenn Tercio, both 11 years old and residents of Barangay Luma, Kiamba.
According to initial reports, the two children were gathering santol fruits using a long fruit picker when the pole accidentally came into contact with a live electrical wire. The contact instantly sent a powerful electric current through the improvised picking tool, critically injuring the boys.
Family members recounted that Alex was the first to be electrocuted while reaching for the fruit. In a desperate attempt to save his best friend, Clyde rushed to help, but he too was struck by the electric current, resulting in the tragic deaths of both children.
The victims were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save them, both were declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.
The incident has plunged the entire community into mourning, with relatives, neighbors, classmates, and teachers grieving the untimely loss of the two young boys. Their remains now lie in state at their respective family homes as loved ones continue to pay their respects.
The tragedy has drawn sympathy from local officials, including Maitum Mayor James Basquinez Reganit, who personally visited the bereaved families to extend his condolences and provide assistance.
In a social media post, Mayor Reganit shared that the children had simply wanted to gather santol fruits to contribute to their school’s Nutrition Month celebration. He described how Alex was electrocuted first, while Clyde lost his life after attempting to rescue his friend.
The incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by overhead power lines, particularly when using long metal or conductive tools near electrical infrastructure. Authorities continue to urge the public, especially parents and children, to exercise extreme caution when harvesting fruits from trees located close to power lines and to seek safer alternatives to prevent similar tragedies.
The deaths of Alex Palmes and Clyde Glenn Tercio have left a deep void in their community, where they are remembered not only as young students with bright futures but also as best friends whose final moments reflected an act of courage and loyalty.