Negros Oriental police on Thursday, March 13, reminded residents of the province to be wary of live wires and to report them to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the police, or electric cooperatives to avoid accidents.

Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), issued the reminder after two young siblings in Bayawan City died of electrocution on Wednesday, March 12.

Polinar said the police and the BFP in Bayawan City are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of the two siblings.

“Initial police investigation showed the live wire that killed the siblings was dangling at a low angle near the ground,” he said.

The BFP in Bayawan City, headed by Senior Inspector Melanie Encontro, acting city fire marshal, is urging the public to report to them or to the Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (Noreco II) sparks, damaged or live wires, and illegal connections as these could cause fire incidents or harm people.

A police report said the two victims, aged 15 and 13, both students, were on their way home on Wednesday at Purok Ipil-ipil in Barangay Suba when the incident happened.

The report said one of the victims, a female, slipped and grabbed the live wire while her brother tried to pull her away.

The two were brought to the Bayawan District Hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

NORECO II linemen responded immediately to the scene to ensure that the live wire will not cause harm to others.

Meanwhile, the local government of Bayawan City is awaiting documents such as post-mortem examination results and death certificates for the release of assistance to the families of the victims, Polinar said. (PNA)