ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — A farmer died after he was crushed by a falling tree on Wednesday morning in Purok Pine Tree, Barangay Man-ilan, Tukuran, leaving his family and community in deep grief.
The victim was identified as Joel Lahoylahoy, a resident of the area and a known hardworking father who relied on charcoal-making and farm labor to support the daily needs of his family.
According to the initial investigation, Lahoylahoy was cutting a large tree when it suddenly fell toward him, trapping and crushing his body under its weight. Due to the severity of the impact, he died instantly.
His father, Marcelo Lahoylahoy, shared that Joel had planned to convert the fallen tree into charcoal to earn money for the household’s basic needs — a livelihood the family had long depended on.
“He was only trying to provide for our family,” Marcelo said, expressing deep pain over the sudden tragedy that has now left them mourning the loss of a son, a partner, and a provider.
Joel’s remains have been brought to his father’s home in Barangay Man-ilan, where relatives, neighbors, and friends have begun offering prayers and support to the bereaved family.
Authorities reminded farmers and individuals engaged in cutting trees to take extra precautions and seek assistance when handling large timber to avoid similar incidents. The tragic loss of Joel Lahoylahoy underscores the everyday risks faced by farmers working to sustain their families.