SOLSONA, Ilocos Norte – A man died after being attacked and stung by a swarm of aggressive honey bees, also known as killer bees, in a mountainous area within the vicinity of Barangay Manalpac in this town Wednesday morning.

The victim was identified as Orlando Tejada, a farmer and a resident of Barangay Manalpac.

Initial investigation showed that the victim, together with 8 friends, went to Mount Mabilag to collect beetles and taro plants near the mountain river when he accidentally disturbed a beehive.

His companions wanted to help him but they were also attacked by the aggressive bees, which prompted them to escape and run, leaving Tejada behind.

When they went back, Tejada was already dead after drowning in knee-deep water.

Police believe the victim's body was paralyzed by the multiple bee stings in different parts of his body, which led him to drown in the knee-deep river.

Veterinarian Jane Galvez said honey bee stings are poisonous and can be life-threatening. She said people should not touch or disturb beehives most especially those found in the wild or mountainous areas.

“ Mayroon siyang sting. 'Yung sting na 'yun, it produces certain substance na magko-cause ng paralysis, nervous system ang tinatamaan niya," Galvez explained.