The sad incident occurred in Barangay Kawayanin, Pitogo, Quezon where five members of a family died after a large buli tree fell on them while Typhoon Ramil was raging this Sunday morning.
The victims were identified as Alvin Peña, 35; his wife Jean Andrea Peña, 35, a barangay councilor; their two children, ages 11 and 2; and Jean's father, Alberto Bueno, 67. The oldest child, 17, survived.
According to relative Jobert Bueno, the tree suddenly fell at around 5 a.m. The sleeping people were hit in the head and could not survive. The tree was very large and there had been previous attempts to burn the base, which may have caused the tree to rot.
Jobert added that the family should be preparing for the eldest's 18th birthday on October 30. Now, they will only meet at the cemetery to offer prayers and remembrances.
The local government of Pitogo has already provided initial assistance for the victims' remains.
