PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — A cargo truck worker was electrocuted while attempting to lift overhead cables obstructing his vehicle on Macawili Road, Manalo Extension, Barangay Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa City on Tuesday morning, January 6, 2026. The incident underscores the hidden hazards faced by workers in transport and logistics, where quick decisions in dynamic environments can carry life-threatening consequences.

According to initial witness reports, the worker, serving as a “pahinante” (loader/assistant), climbed atop the truck and tried to move obstructing cables using only his hands. He was immediately electrocuted and screamed for help, alerting his colleagues nearby. The quick response of onlookers, including a nurse residing in the area, proved critical. The nurse instructed the victim’s companions in administering CPR, ultimately helping him regain consciousness. He was later rushed to a nearby hospital by his colleagues and local residents for further medical attention.

The incident highlights two pressing concerns. First, many transport and cargo operations expose workers to unsafe conditions—live wires, unstable loads, and inadequate protective equipment—often due to urgency, lack of training, or informal work arrangements. Second, it demonstrates the life-saving value of basic first aid knowledge and community readiness; without the timely CPR, the outcome could have been far worse. While the worker survived, the event raises a broader societal question: in sectors where on-the-job hazards are common, how can employers, local authorities, and communities ensure that safety protocols are not just recommended, but actively enforced to prevent avoidable tragedies? (Larawan: Contributed Photos Facebook)