BACOLOD CITY – A 21-year-old farmer was killed by a lightning strike in Purok Enyam, Barangay Cambarus, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental on Monday, June 24.

A 21-year-old farmer was killed by a lightning strike in Barangay Cambarus, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental on Monday, June 24. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)
Police identified the victim as Neil Patrick Sarmiento.
Police Lt. Nanette Laurilla, deputy chief of the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station, said the victim was cultivating a rice field when a sudden downpour occurred.
He sought refuge under a banana plant in an open field.
However, he was struck by lightning when he was about to operate a hand tractor.
The victim was brought to the Pontevedra Rural Health Unit where was declared dead.