7 hurt as ‘Ruby’ hits Masbate

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — At least seven persons, including two children, were injured when Typhoon “Ruby” made its second landfall in Cataingan town in Masbate at 10 p.m. on Sunday before crossing to Aroroy town, the military reported Monday.

Lieutenant Clint Antipala, spokesperson of Philippine Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade, said two of the injured were Lorane Comedero, a 1-year-old baby girl from Mobo town, and Jimeul Betonio, a 2-year-old boy from Placer.

The other injured persons were identified as Romel Basilan, 40, and Carlos Abit, 51, both from Placer; Fe Brabante, 75, from Uson town; Rufina Alcaraz, 82, from Pio V. Corpuz, and Martin Arcellas, 60, from Cataingan.

Antipala said most of the injuries were minor lacerations and bruises.

He said all of the injured were taken to the nearest hospitals for medical attention Sunday and were declared out of danger.

In Masbate City, PO3 Zandro Cabintoy, spokesperson of the Masbate Provincial Police Office, said power had returned Monday morning.

Major Angelo Guzman, spokesperson of the Armed Forces’ Southern Luzon Command, said all major roads in Masbate were now passable except for some streets in Mobo and Mandaon where a spillway had overflown.

He said Masbate’s airport was clear and open for operations but the weather over Masbate and Sorsogon was not favorable for flights.

Guzman said damage in Masbate was still being assessed and consolidated by authorities.

Masbate listed no fatalities, he added.

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