COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 26, 2013) – Ten people were killed – six of them children – and two other minors are missing, after their pump boat was hit by a twister in the middle of the Lingusan Marsh in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao, police said on Tuesday.
Police said the victims just came from a prayer for a departed relative in the village of Tugal and heading home when the powerful tornado swooped down on them.
“They are in the middle of the marsh when the powerful tornado struck,” said Maguindanao police chief Rodelio Jocson.
He said six other people, inclduing the boat operator, survived the tragedy. The town’s mayor, Alan Angas, led villagers in rescuing the victims and retrieving the dead.
Those killed were Kudtog Panonggo, 63; Seno Blah, 40; Baikung Kudtog, 30; Farida Kudtog, 28; Paano Kudtog, 7; Montoki Kudtog, 9; Benzar Makakwa, 8; Amilod Kudtog, 8; Datu Manaot Makakwa, 6; and Mary Jane Makakwa, 4. Still missing are Amer Kudtog, 5, and Samer Kudtog, 3.
Police said those who survived the tragedy are Ernie Motin, 30; Brando Nando, 20; Alaisa Saptola,42; Saudi Kudtog, 7; Alaisa Kudtog, 5; and Normina Kudtog, 9. (Mindanao Examiner. Ferdinandh Cabrera)
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