LEYTE, Leyte — What began as an ordinary Monday afternoon ended in tragedy when an eight-year-old girl was fatally struck by a falling coconut tree in Sitio Manipis, Barangay Bagaba-o, this town.
The victim, identified as MJP, a Grade 3 pupil and resident of the barangay, was reportedly on her way to buy fish when the tree, which was being cut by two men, suddenly fell and hit her.
Police reports state that the incident occurred at around 1:30 p.m. The men involved were identified as Pino, 42, married, a barangay chief tanod, and Pabs, 38, married, a farmer, both residents of Barangay Mataloto.
Responding officers from the Leyte Municipal Police Station said they were alerted by a police auxiliary from Barangay Mataloto and found the child lying unconscious on the ground.
The victim’s family, assisted by the police, immediately rushed her to the Leyte Rural Health Unit, but she was declared dead on arrival at around 3:45 p.m. by the attending physician.
Following the incident, the two men voluntarily surrendered to the authorities and turned over the chainsaw used to cut the tree. They are now under police custody for further investigation.
While the incident is being described as accidental, it raises deeper questions about the lack of safety awareness and preventive measures in rural communities.
In many provinces, tree-cutting is often carried out without formal supervision, proper equipment, or even basic safety precautions. It is an everyday activity treated with routine familiarity, but this tragedy shows how dangerous that casual attitude can be.
It is especially disheartening that one of the men involved is a barangay tanod, a person expected to uphold safety and discipline within the community. The presence of a public servant should have ensured that the activity was done responsibly, yet it appears that proper precautions were not taken.
The cutting of trees, especially in public areas or near homes and roads, must be done with the highest regard for safety, and authority from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Local governments must enforce stricter regulations and provide training to workers to prevent similar accidents.
The death of MJP is not just an accident; it is a painful reminder of how negligence and complacency can steal innocent lives. Her passing should prompt reflection and action so that no other family has to endure such a heartbreaking loss in the future.
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