A caretaker of a duck farm was found dead after he was believed to have been struck by a lightning in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Residents said a tree at a farm in Barangay Laguilayan was allegedly hit by a lightning evening on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The next day, they found burn marks from the top to the bottom of the acacia tree.

They also found the caretaker of a duck farm lifeless under the tree. They believe he was also hit by the lightning.

Residents said the caretaker often slept in the area as he made a makeshift shelter made of tarpaulin under the tree.

“Yung kwintas niya sa leeg nasunog, tapos ang likod niya or dito sa pusod niya, may tinamaan din na konti. Sa likod ng katawan niya, umitim parang medyo nasunog ba,” a resident, Basser Kitok Palasada, said.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the police and the victims’ family for a statement, as of this writing.

State weather bureau PAGASA said isolated thunderstorms caused by the easterlies were experienced in the area at that time, which can create conditions favorable for lightning strikes.

Authorities advised the public to be vigilant during such weather condition.

“Isa sa palatandaan before mag-strike yung lighting ay tatayo yung buhok. Kung naabutan siya sa open area, so most likely, siya yung matatamaan. Kung sakaling, nagtago siya sa lone trees, siya yung matatamaan. Yung discharge ng kidlat is kakalat sa lupa kahit 3 meters away ka sa lone object,” PAGASA-GenSan Chief Meteorological Officer, Engr. Jaymar Artigas, said.

PAGASA also reminded the public to avoid elevated areas, trees, bodies of water, and other objects that conduct electricity during thunderstorms.