3 Compostela tornado victims still missing

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Rescuers were still searching for three children who remained missing after a tornado struck a village in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley last Thursday night.

“We are coordinating with every agency and rescue group involved in the efforts to find the missing children. We hope to find them soon,” said Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino, Compostela Valley police director.

Those missing were identified as Mae Berunguis, 7; and her siblings Rachel, 6; and Angel, nine months old.

The children’s parents, Rico and Maricel Berunguis, sustained injuries in the tornado that struck Sitio Matagdungan, Barangay Bukal in Nabunturan town at around 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

Two people were killed in the incident, namely Pablo Tibay, 59; and Cristine Berunguis, 4. Their bodies were recovered in the Manat River the following morning.