ALEGRIA, Surigao del Norte — An off-duty police officer was killed while three other individuals were injured after being electrocuted in an accident involving a metal scaffolding and a live power line on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Purok 4, Barangay San Pedro.
The fatality was identified as Police Lieutenant Jerry C. Inocentes, 53, married, and a resident of the area. According to authorities, Inocentes was off duty at the time of the incident.
Initial investigation conducted by the Alegria Municipal Police Station revealed that the incident occurred at around 12:45 p.m. while the victim was outside his residence. Inocentes had reportedly responded to a request for assistance from his brother-in-law to transfer a metal scaffolding to a nearby house.
However, while carrying the scaffolding, it accidentally came into contact with a live electrical wire owned by the Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative (SURNECO), resulting in a powerful electric shock that struck Inocentes and three others who were helping at the time.
Inocentes was immediately rushed to Kitcharao District Hospital in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte but was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Michael John Escalante.
Meanwhile, the three injured individuals, identified as Rey Daplin, Randy Edillo, and Amping Limato, were also brought to a nearby medical facility, Saint Paul Hospital, where they are currently reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities said the victims were all residents of the same barangay and were assisting in the transfer of the scaffolding when the accident occurred.
Police continue to investigate the incident to determine further details, including possible lapses in safety precautions and the exact circumstances that led to the accidental contact with the live wire.
The tragic incident underscores the dangers posed by exposed or low-hanging electrical lines, especially when handling metal objects in residential areas.