FOUR vehicles were damaged after a large acacia tree collapsed onto the vehicle blessing area near Gate 5 of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag past 5 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2026.
According to the Municipality of Manaoag, a commuter van and a newly purchased SUV sustained major damage, while two other SUVs incurred minor dents.
Witnesses said vehicles were already lined up for blessing when the tree suddenly fell.
Personnel from the Manaoag Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office immediately responded to secure the area and conduct clearing operations.
Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario went to the site to assess the situation and coordinate with affected vehicle owners.
Basilica officials said they would work with those whose vehicles were damaged and provide assistance.
Authorities have yet to determine what caused the acacia tree to collapse.
Many Filipinos believe that having new vehicles blessed in Manaoag, similar to the practice at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo, offers protection from road mishaps.
