JOLO, SULU — What began as an ordinary rainy morning in Barangay San Raymundo turned into a scene of heartbreak and tragedy after two old Acacia trees were uprooted by heavy rains, leaving one person dead and several others injured in Sitio Martirez, Jolo, Sulu, on October 22, 2025.
The first tree fell around 11:14 a.m. in front of the barangay hall, crushing vehicles and striking unsuspecting passersby who were merely trying to take shelter from the rain. Among the victims was Adilhayda Said, a passenger on a motor piaggio driven by her husband, Almajid Said. Adilhayda was rushed to the Sulu Sanitarium and General Hospital but was later declared dead while receiving treatment.
Her husband and sister-in-law, Muarranina Said, sustained minor injuries. Both were residents of Annoor Village, Barangay Kajatian, Indanan.
Also injured were Rasa Basaluddin, who happened to be inside the barangay’s Lupon office at the time of the incident, and Moh. Fajar Sabtula, who was sitting inside another piaggio parked nearby. A sidecar owned by Alshamer Andih was also damaged in the accident.
As the community was still reeling from the morning tragedy, another Acacia tree collapsed at 1:50 p.m. near the Chinese Cemetery—this time damaging homes and injuring children. Two young girls, Nursida and Nur-aina Amil, were brought to the same hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Their house was totally destroyed, while two neighboring homes suffered partial damage.
In total, one life was lost and eight individuals were injured in the two separate incidents, according to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Jolo. Clearing operations were immediately launched to reopen the blocked Martirez Street, which is now passable only on one side.
Municipal Mayor Edsir Q. Tan ordered close monitoring of the victims’ conditions and extended gratitude to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for its swift response and support during the rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Governor Abdusakur “Toto” Tan of Sulu personally ensured that immediate assistance reached the victims. The provincial government provided ₱20,000 to the bereaved family and ₱10,000 each to those who were injured.
Barangay officials and residents described the incident as deeply saddening, especially since the fallen trees—once symbols of shade and community—had now become sources of pain.
“San Raymundo has always been proud of its big, beautiful Acacia trees,” one resident shared quietly. “We never imagined they could take lives.”
As the rain subsided and clearing crews continued their work, the people of Jolo mourned together—united by grief but also by compassion. What happened in Sitio Martirez serves as a painful reminder of nature’s unpredictable strength and the urgent need for vigilance and safety in the face of worsening weather conditions.
Despite the devastation, the community’s swift response, solidarity, and empathy shone through the storm.
“We grieve with the family,” said one barangay worker. “But we also thank God that more lives were spared.”