Lightning strike killed reportedly a 38-year-old fisherman in Barangay Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City.

His body was found half-submerged in the waters on August 5, 2025.

Despite a thunderstorm advisory, the fisherman identified as Teodolito Intan set out at sea to catch fish in order to sustain eight children. 

A 16-year-old boy who was nearby, trying to remove water from a motorbanca, saw that the body of a man was hanging out from the boat. Half of the body was submerged in the waters, while the lower half was seated on the boat.

According to his live-in partner, Teresita Caay, Intan left past 2 p.m. to catch fish. Their house is situated near the sea. 

That afternoon, Caay said, there was a heavy rainfall and a series of lightning strikes. Despite the weather condition, she said, she trusts that Intan sought shelter as he has done in the past in the event of either a squall or a severe thunderstorm.

Intan’s fellow fishermen broke the news to Caay on the circumstances leading to his death.

In an investigation done by personnel of Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO), the man sustained a small wound on the abdomen and blood that flowed from his nostril is apparent. However, Lt. Col. Christian Torres, spokesperson of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said there were no signs of burns on both the boat and Intan’s body, so they recommended an autopsy to help establish the definite cause of his death.

Engr. Jhomer Eclarino, PAGASA Visayas weather specialist, said a series of thunderstorm advisories was issued on August 5, 2025 from noontime to evening over affected areas, including Lapu-Lapu City.

Caay has requested the Local Government Unit to assist her get a job in order to provide for her eight children.

In her social media page, Mayor Cindi King-Chan condoled with the grieving family.

She vowed that the City Government would shoulder the funeral expenses of Intan, financial aid, and relief packs.