By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 4B (Mimaropa) said Thursday that full assistance will be extended to the families of two police officers killed by a lightning strike while on duty in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
PRO-4B Director Brig. Gen. Roger Quesada made this remark as he confirmed the “untimely” death of Patrolman Ruzzel Jay Ferrer Fontarum, 28, of Barangay Calima, Pola, Oriental Mindoro, and Patrolman Laudelino Samarita Lomio, 31, of Barangay Del Mundo, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday night.
The incident happened at about 10:30 p.m. while the victims were parking their motorcycle at the RMFB 4B headquarters in Barangay Pinagsabangan 1, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
“Accordingly, the weather condition at the time of the incident was raining heavily when both personnel were parking their motorcycle,” the police report read.
Patrolman John Cyrill Hilario, a roving officer, immediately responded and found Lomio and Fontarum lying on the ground.
The victims were immediately brought to the Mindoro Medical Center in Calapan City, but “both personnel were pronounced dead on arrival.”
“Their tragic loss is a painful reminder of the silent risks our personnel face in service to the nation. On behalf of PRO-Mimaropa, we extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones,” Quesada said in a statement.
He said the dedication and courage of Fontarum and Lomio “will never be forgotten.”
“We are committed to providing full assistance, benefits, and honors to ensure their sacrifices are rightfully recognized and their families supported during this difficult time,” he said. (PNA)
