6.6 quake in Cotabato: 3 dead, 5 wounded

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato –– Three persons died and five were wounded as e 6.6 earthquake rocked Cotabato province again this morning, according to local disaster officials.

In Arakan town, two persons died and a two-year-old infant was wounded after they were run over by rolling rocks in Barangay Lanao Kuran during the 6.6 magnitude quake that jolted Cotabato province and a large part of Mindanao Wednesday morning.

Arakan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Weng Gafate said Angel Andy, 22, and Reneboy Andy, 7, died when hit by falling rocks, while two-year-old Rodel Andy was rushed to the hospital for injuries from the quake.

In Tulunan, Mayor Reuel Limbungan reported a pregnant woman who died after falling debris hit her during the quake.

Three more pupils were wounded when falling debris hit them at the Daig Elementary School.

North Cotabato Schools Division Superintendent Omar Obas said the wounded pupils were already in stable condition.

In Makilala town, the building housing the local branch of Banco de Oro collapsed but no one was hurt as employees got out on time.

In Mlang, a cell site of Smart Telecommunications burned down, which explained why part of the town had no phone signal./lzb