Tree falls on two houses

CEBU, Philippines - Strong winds, brought about by Typhoon Pedring, uprooted Tuesday evening a Mayana tree which fell on two houses in sitio Canumay in barangay Labogon, Mandaue City.

Alfonso Manatad, barangay Labogon's environmental officer, said the tree fell on two houses at around 11:30 p.m., destroying the roofing of the houses of Mercy Saladaga, 41, who has five children and Leonor Leorab, 36, and her two children.

No one was hurt.

They had returned to their homes after fixing their roofs.

Manatad said the tree was estimated to be 20 feet long and must be more than forty years old.

Barangay Labogon captain Damaso Tumulak said he has reported the incident to the City Social Welfare Services so the office can assess the situation and extend whatever assistance.

Tumulak also said the barangay will also adopt a resolution that would extend P4,000 in financial assistance to the families.

He said that it was the same amount extended to two families whose houses were destroyed by a buri tree months ago. The office of sixth district Rep. Luigi Quisumbing also extended relief goods to the families and will give P2,500 to each of the families after they comply with requirements. - THE FREEMAN