Police: 2 killed, 3 missing as tornado, floods hit Compostela Valley

At least two people were killed, while three young children were reported missing after a tornado and flash flood caused by heavy rains washed away their houses in Compostela Valley Thursday night, police said Friday. Provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino said the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. at Bukal village in Nabunturan town. "Heto... napalakas ng ulan ... noong time na yun nagkaroon ng buhawi at tinamaan ang dalawang bahay (The tornado and floods came amid heavy rains, and destroyed two houses)," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. Citing initial reports, he identified the fatalities as Pablo Tibay, 56; and Christine Gerugis, 4. Still missing are Princess Gerugis, 7; and sisters Rachel, 6; and Angel, nine months old. Aquino said Tibay drowned after the flash floods swept him and his house away. "Siya ay namatay dahil na rin siguro sa pagkalunod (He may have died of drowning)," Aquino said. Also, he said the missing children's parents, Rico and Maricel Gerugis, were rushed to a hospital after sustaining injuries from the incident. — AYA/LBG, GMA News