DAVAO CITY — Two men were killed and three other people were injured after two massive, century-old mango trees collapsed onto residential structures amid heavy rains and strong winds in Barangay Catalunan Grande, Davao City, late Thursday night, October 29, 2026.
The incident occurred at around 10 p.m. in Purok 31 and Purok 32, Sitio San Miguel, where the enormous trees fell onto a bunkhouse and a nearby residence, trapping occupants beneath the debris and prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation.
According to a police spot report from Talomo Police Station, the first fatality was a 29-year-old security guard whose bunkhouse was crushed by the falling trees. He was trapped inside and sustained severe head injuries that proved fatal.
Members of his family were also injured in the incident and rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for medical treatment. Reports identified the injured family members as his mother and two children.
The second victim, a 38-year-old water delivery worker residing in Purok 32, was critically injured when another massive mango tree collapsed directly onto his house.
His live-in partner reportedly said they had noticed unusually strong winds at around 8:30 p.m. and attempted to find a safer place as the weather deteriorated. However, the victim was unable to get out before the tree struck their residence, leaving him trapped.
Rescuers managed to retrieve him and transport him to SPMC aboard Central 911 Ambulance Medic 06. Despite emergency medical intervention, his attending physician declared him dead at approximately 12:09 a.m. on Friday, October 30.
Personnel from Talomo Police Station, Central 911, and the Catalunan Grande barangay rescue team responded to the scene and carried out search-and-rescue operations. The bodies of the two victims were subsequently brought to a funeral home and the SPMC morgue, respectively.
Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte also personally responded to the incident. Video footage and photographs circulating after the tragedy showed the congressman at the scene speaking with affected residents and assuring them of assistance.
He also emphasized the need to ensure that injured individuals were immediately transported to the hospital for treatment.
The tragedy has raised concerns about the dangers posed by aging trees located near residential communities, particularly during periods of severe weather when strong winds and saturated ground can increase the risk of large trees collapsing.
Authorities continue to remind residents to remain vigilant during heavy rainfall and strong winds, avoid staying in structures situated beneath or near potentially hazardous trees, and move to safer locations whenever conditions threaten their homes.
The incident remains a stark reminder of the vulnerability of residential communities to weather-related hazards and the importance of identifying and addressing potential environmental risks before disaster strikes.