A lineman works on an electric post at the Katuparan housing project in Vitas, Tondo Manila on July 7, 2021. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Bureau of Fire Protection reiterates its appeal to electric cooperatives to fix their wires in communities to prevent accidents like electrocution. 

This, following the death of three teenagers in Zamboanga City during a city-wide Boy Scout Jamboree last week.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Fire Senior Inspector Gabriel Solano, acting chief of the Civil Relations Service of the the Bureau of Fire Protection, said it is incorrect to assume that wires dangling overhead are just telephone and cable TV lines.

Some of them are in fact, live.

While some of them have insulators, it is highly likely that some of them are already exposed and may therefore pose a risk to the public.

“Hindi natin alam kung saan diyan may wear and tear. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang nginatngat ng daga or nagbrittle na due to exposure to the elements. Chances are yung mga bakal niyan, tanso are already exposed,” he said. 

(We don't know where there may be wear and tear. We don't know if rats have chewed through or if exposure to the elements has made them brittle. Chances are there already are some of the copper is already exposed)

It also wouldn’t be wise to get into contact with them by using other objects that are perceived to be non-conductors of electricity.

“Everything can be a conductor of electricity given a combination of two things, water and salt. Sabihin natin kahit kahoy 'yan (Even, for example, wood), it can conduct electricity given the moisture content," he said. 

3 boy scouts electrocuted to death at Zamboanga City jamboree

Initial investigation showed that at least 15 boy scouts at the jamboree had been tasked to transfer a canopy, the tip of which accidentally touched a live wire, sending the scouts flying to the ground.

In a statement the Boy Scouts of the Philippines said it is working with authorities to investigate the incident and is ready to extend all forms of assistance to the victims and their families as well as to the survivors.

“We are also looking closely at the details of the incident in order to revisit and strengthen our existing policies and procedures on the conduct of Scouting activities,” the statement read.

Probe into Boy Scout jamboree tragedy starts

It has also implemented a moratorium on all outdoor scouting activities.  

“We are implementing a moratorium on all outdoor Scouting activities and encouraging our Local Councils to promote Scouting activities in controlled environments/settings. We will use this opportunity to equally capacitate our field Implementors in mainstreaming sound risk and safety management practices in Scouting.”