Boy gathering limestone dies after hit by a boulder

Neighbor now in police custody

CEBU, Philippines - A 15-year-old boy died after he was hit by a boulder while he and two others were digging in a limestone quarry Saturday in Barangay Bongon, Tabuelan town.

The victim was identified as Girbin Montebon, a grade 7 student.

Spouses Sanito and Vilma Montebon appeared before the Tabuelan Police Station and reported that their son died in the freak accident.

Police Officer 2 Jerome Millor said that at around 11:30 a.m., the boy, together with two other minors aged 13 years old, went to gather limestone at Sitio Kanluma in exchange for P10 per sack, which will be paid by their neighbor Marvin Tulod, 36.

While digging, a boulder above them fell and hit the head and neck of Montebon. His two companions were able to evade it.

They helped the victim and took away the boulder. The victim was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead by the doctor.

Millor said that the boulder that hit the victim was quite big.

The boy's parents have allegedly told him prior to the incident not to go to the limestone quarry.

"Gi-istoryahan na ning biktima sa iyang ginikanan nga dili moapil og kalot pero basin ba og nangyawat nga makasapi ba kay maayo na lang unta pangbalon sa eskwelahan," the policeman said.

Millor said they placed Tulod under their custody.

"Gusto sa pamilya sa namatay nga matabangan lang sila sa gastohan sa pagpalubong," he said, adding that they are waiting for the final decision of the family whether they would file a complaint against Tulod. (FREEMAN)