Fil-Am couple dies in Virginia tornado

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino-American couple died when a tornado swept through a camping site in Virginia on Thursday, the Philippine embassy in Washington has confirmed, according to a report posted on interaksyon.com, the online news portal of TV5.

The report quoted Ambassador Jose Cuisia as extending the government’s condolences to Lordy Balatbat and Lolabeth Ortega, both 38 years old, who were inside a tent when a tree fell on it.

“We would like to invite the Filipino-American community to offer prayers for the couple and the loved ones who they left behind,” the report said, quoting Cuisia.

The couple were residents of Jersey City in New Jersey. Their 13-year-old son and 36 others were injured.