Elderly Man Dies in Typhoon Roof Incident

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An elderly man died while trying to hold onto the roof of his house as it was blown by strong winds during the onslaught of Typhoon Kristine.

The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on October 24 but was only reported to police around 2 p.m. on October 25.

Police identified the victim as Teofilo Montealto, 77, a farmer from Sitio Tunga, Barangay Bagacay, San Rafael, Iloilo.

Montealto allegedly attempted to prevent his roof from being blown away.

However, due to the strong winds, he was unable to hold onto it.

He was thrown to the cemented floor, which caused his death.

Captain Bryan Alejo, San Rafael police chief, said they learned about the incident after one of their personnel, Corporal Joven Delcoro, monitored damages caused by Typhoon Kristine at the San Rafael Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

Reports indicated that barangay officials found Montealto’s body at his residence.

The victim’s relatives stated that he was trying to hold onto the roof when the incident occurred.