Fisherman survives rare needlefish strike to the neck in Occidental Mindoro
- A 45-year-old fisherman from Sablayan was severely injured after a needlefish pierced his neck
- A TikTok user-style recount shared how his flashlight may have triggered the sudden attack
- He underwent surgery in Batangas and remains under close medical observation for infection
- Family appeals for help as the father of six faces a long recovery and cannot work for now
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A fisherman from Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro is fighting through recovery after a needlefish stabbed straight through his neck during an early morning dive last Thursday.
Source: UGC
The victim, identified as 45-year-old Edilberto Lacerna, was spearfishing when the long-snouted fish — locally known as "bilaan" — unexpectedly rammed into him.
Emergency responders initially rushed Lacerna to Sablayan and Mamburao hospitals before he was transferred to the Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City.
Doctors performed delicate surgery to remove the fish lodged in his neck. His wife, Ma. Annabel Lacerna, shared that he is still struggling to speak and remains under close watch to prevent infection.
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“Obserbahan pa daw po baka magnana sa ilalim ng natusok ng isda dahil matindi daw po yung natusok,” she said.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, the victim’s brother-in-law, Augusto Marsan, narrated that Lacerna surfaced from diving around 3 a.m. with his flashlight still on when the needlefish suddenly charged.
“Pag-ahon niya siguro nakabukas pa ang ilaw ng lente niya… yun sinugod siya ng needlefish,” he explained.
His companion immediately brought him back to Barangay Burgos, where MDRRMO personnel assisted.
While this is not the first needlefish incident in the province, Lacerna’s family feels fortunate he survived, as previous victims reportedly did not.
With six children and no one able to work while he recovers, his wife is appealing for support.
“Wala po maghahanapbuhay sa aming pamilya… matagal pa po ito makakarekober,” she said.
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, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable to one's daily life. These stories are among those that people would be able to learn from every day, and apply them in their own lives. Crimes that happen to ordinary people are also those that many give attention to.
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In other news, a 23-year-old lady rider, identified as Jessica, died after her motorcycle crashed into an oncoming van in Cauayan City, Isabela. Police investigation suggests the rider lost control of her motorcycle while driving at speed on an uphill road section. The victim sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The driver of the van is in police custody and faces charges of Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Hom1cide and Damage to Property.
Still in other news, Judge Carmela Rosario Pasquin died in a motorcycle crash in Cebu on October 22. Despite owning a car, she commuted by motorcycle to embody modesty and integrity. UP College of Law and the Supreme Court praised her for her dedication to public service. Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro hailed her as a model of humility and devotion to duty.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
