Child shocked by live wire on footbridge says he was running from threat

The 12-year-old boy who received an electric shock from wires hanging along a foot bridge being constructed in Sangandaan, Caloocan City last week said had been running from someone who wanted to stab him.

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, the boy said he had no choice but to get on the roof of the footbridge since someone was trying to hurt him.

“Nakita ko ‘yon, sasaksakin ako. Wala po ako matakbuhan. Na-off balance po ako. Kung hindi naman po ako humawak doon [wire], mahuhulog ako. Hindi ko alam na live wire na pala ‘yong nahawakan ko,” the boy said.

The boy sustained second-degree burns on much of his body.

Earlier, Alexander Pontares, a tanod of Barangay 7 who witnessed the incident, said the child was walking on the roof of the footbridge last Wednesday when he heard an explosion.

"Naglalakad siya sa taas ng bubungan. Nakita ko na lang sumabit 'yung ulo niya sa wire... Biglang sumabog tapos dumapa na siya, nawalan siya ng malay. Boom! Talagang malakas," he said in a report on GMA's "24 Oras Weekend" on Sunday, as the victim reportedly initially refused to be treated and tried to leave when he was being placed on a stretcher.

The construction company in charge of the footbridge had reportedly provided the victim's family with assistance.

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and the city government of Caloocan City will also give assistance to the victim’s family. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News