A 19-year-old camper from Cagayan de Oro City died after being struck by lightning while setting up a tent with his 18-year-old girlfriend at Cowboy’s Camp in Mount Kilagas, Barangay Kiliog, Libona, Bukidnon, on Friday afternoon, October 30, 2026. His girlfriend was unharmed. Initial police investigation revealed that the victim was standing in an open area when lightning struck as they prepared to pitch their tent near the campsite’s reception shelter. He collapsed and began trembling following the incident. Rescuers rushed him to JR Borja General Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City, where he was declared dead on arrival. – SOURCE
Reports identified the victim as a resident of Macanhan, Barangay Carmen, while his girlfriend is from Carinugan, Barangay Balulang, both in Cagayan de Oro City. The couple were planning to spend the weekend at the campsite.
Cowboy’s Camp is a popular elevated camping destination located just a short drive from Cagayan de Oro City.
Meanwhile, the campsite cancelled its scheduled event the following day due to an unfavorable weather forecast.
