5 dead, 1 injured in Surigao landslides — police

At least five people are confirmed dead in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur due to landslides triggered by Tropical Depression Basyang, authorities said Tuesday.

The police chief of Carrascal in Surigao del Sur, Police Inspector James Allen Dogao, told GMA News Online that there were three casualties in Barangay Gamuton and one in Barangay Babuyan.

Dogao said that Irene Benguillo, 33, died along with her children AJ Benguillo, 6, and MJ Benguillo, 3. Her husband James Benguillo, 33, a fish vendor, was injured.

The victims were residents of Gawad Kalinga houses in Purok 8, Barangay Gamuton.

GMA News Online has not yet been provided the name of the victim in Barangay Babuyan.

In Placer, Surigao del Norte, a 75-year-old man identified as James Opalla was also killed by a landslide at P-Diamond Hills in Barangay Magsaysay.

Opalla was recovered from his home, which had been partially covered by soil, at 1 p.m., said Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Antony Maghari.

The victim was recovered at 1 p.m. and was immediately brought to the hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. — BM, GMA News