Mentally-challenged man rescued from electric pole after climb in Muntinlupa City; sustains burns

Mentally-challenged man rescued from electric pole after climb in Muntinlupa City; sustains burns

• A 46-year-old man with a mental health condition was rescued from an electric pole in Muntinlupa City after a two-hour ordeal on Saturday, July 5, 2025

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• The man suffered approximately 30% burn injuries during the incident, despite the careful coordination of police, fire personnel, and Meralco crews

• Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon confirmed that the LGU will provide extensive assistance for the man's physical recovery and ongoing mental health treatment

• The incident underscores the critical importance of public awareness, support systems for individuals with mental health conditions, and warnings against tampering with electrical infrastructure

A 46-year-old man with a mental health condition was safely brought down by authorities after a perilous two-hour ordeal on an electric pole in Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa City, at around 10:00 PM on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Mentally-challenged man rescued from electric pole after climb in Muntinlupa City; sustains burns
Screengrab from a video shared by GMA News on Facebook (@gmanews)
Source: Facebook

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The man, whose ascent was likened by some onlookers to "Spider-Man," sustained approximately 30% burn injuries to his body during the incident.

The dramatic rescue operation, which unfolded late Saturday evening, drew a crowd as local police, fire personnel, and Meralco (Manila Electric Company) crews converged on the scene.

According to Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, the complex operation required careful coordination due to the inherent dangers posed by the high-voltage electrical lines and the man's agitated state.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the man climb the towering pole with surprising agility, reaching a considerable height among the power lines.

It remains unclear what prompted his dangerous ascent, but authorities quickly identified that he was suffering from a mental health condition, which complicated rescue efforts.

Responders had to ensure the power was safely cut in the immediate vicinity to prevent further electr0cution while simultaneously trying to communicate with and secure the man.

The rescue team utilized specialized equipment and techniques, including ladders and harnesses, to carefully descend the man from his precarious position.

The process was painstakingly slow, lasting about two hours, as rescuers prioritized both their safety and that of the individual.

Despite their careful approach, the man had already come into contact with the live wires, resulting in significant burn injuries.

Following his successful rescue, the man was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention for his burns.

Mayor Biazon confirmed that the victim is currently recovering and will receive comprehensive assistance from the Muntinlupa City Local Government Unit (LGU) for both his physical injuries and the ongoing treatment of his mental health condition.

This commitment underscores the LGU's focus not only on emergency response but also on long-term care for individuals facing mental health challenges within the community.

This incident highlights the critical need for increased public awareness and support systems for individuals with mental health conditions.

It also serves as a stark reminder of the extreme dangers associated with tampering with or climbing electrical infrastructure.

Local authorities are expected to review the incident to determine any measures that could prevent similar occurrences in the future, emphasizing community vigilance and immediate reporting of individuals in distress to appropriate agencies.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a bus conductor sustained multiple bites on the arm from a passenger reportedly with a mental disorder. The 24 Oras report showed a video of the incident, including the actual bite marks on the conductor's arm. The incident occurred on the EDSA bus carousel. According to the conductor, the passenger was traveling from Quezon to Guadalupe, and the conductor intervened when the passenger threatened to bite a child.

Still in other news, a couple from Moalboal, Cebu is in critical condition after being hacked by three robbers who broke into their home and stole P7,000 in cash. The victims, Ronie and Antonia Bontigao, suffered severe wounds to the head, face, mouth, and body. Despite her injuries, Antonia managed to escape and seek help from neighbors, leading to the suspects’ arrest in a police hot pursuit. The suspects—two of whom were previously fed by the couple—now face multiple criminal charges including attempted murder and robbery.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh

Authors:
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Josh Medina (Editor)