A large acacia tree collapsed inside the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag compound, damaging four vehicles that were parked for blessing, authorities said.

The fallen tree hit at least two vehicles directly and affected two others in the church’s blessing area. Local authorities responded immediately, and clearing operations began within hours of the incident.

Police said initial findings showed the tree had long been deteriorating.

“Napag-alaman natin na ito pala is yung sa loob niya, bulok na po. May mga maliliit na lang na roots na nagpapatibay doon. At sabi nga ng simbahan at LGU, matagal na raw po yun,” PMaj. Peter Raul Sison, chief of the Manaoag Police Station, said.

The vehicles were towed as debris was being cleared.

One vehicle owner came from Manila reportedly, while three others are residents of Baguio City.

One of the vehicles damaged had been in use for only a little over a day.

Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario said the church and local government extended assistance to the vehicle owners affected.

“Kinausap din sila ng matiwasay at maayos ng simbahan. Since nangyari nga sa loob ng basilica, nagbigay din ng tulong ang simbahan… ‘Yung nasirang sasakyan, iniwan at hinatid ng service ng munisipyo,” Rosario said.

The local government is also coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to assess other trees in the basilica grounds.

“Kaya nga may planong ikonsulta ang DENR kasi marami yan yung century-old na acacia tree,” Rosario added.

No injuries were reported. Church officials declined to issue a statement.