Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. tapped the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to investigate the cause of collapsed tree that hit houses near a creek in Recto, Manila on Thursday, May 18.

In a statement issued Friday, DILG said Abalos also directed the BFP to report its recommendations to avoid the recurrence.

According to the initial report of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), a huge balete tree fell on the houses in Barangay 294 Alvarado St. Recto, Manila at around 12:20 am amid heavy rain.

Some residents got trapped inside their houses. Three individuals died including a two-year-old while nine others were injured.

The DILG Secretary extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

“Gayundin, nananawagan tayo sa mga lokal na opisyal na siguruhin ang pagpapaabot ng tulong sa mga naapektuhan at gawin ang lahat upang hindi na masundan o maulit ang trahedyang ito,” Abalos added.

Aside from the BFP and MDRRMO personnel, various fire volunteer groups also sent personnel to help the victims of the landslide.

He praised and thanked the staff of BFP and MDRRMO along with other responders for their quick response.

“Saludo tayo sa lahat ng ating mga first responders na agarang tumulong sa ating mga kababayan sa nangyaring trahedya sa Recto, Manila. Dahil sa inyong mabilis na aksyon, agad nabigyan ng karampatang lunas ang mga biktima at naisalba ang mga na-trap na residente,” the DILG Secretary futhered.

Written by Stephanie Anne Santos, DZRH News Online Intern