2 Killed, Dozens Hurt in Manila Stampede

Two women were trampled to death and dozens of people were injured Saturday when a group of men breaking into a line set off a stampede at a presidential office that offers jobs and help for the poor, authorities and witnesses said.

The staff at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center said two women died on arrival at the emergency room, and two elderly women had been hospitalized for bruises and cuts.

At least 45 people suffered mostly minor injuries, police said. Umbrellas, slippers, thermos bottles, towels and other personal belongings littered the street after the melee.

The crowd, estimated by police at between 10,000 and 15,000 people, started gathering outside the Presidential Action Center as early as Friday night to ask for help ranging from jobs and houses to land and loans.

Poor people hoping to get jobs, free housing, and legal and medical assistance have flocked to the center near the Malacanang Palace.

“People were pushing,” said a sobbing Edna Cordero, 49, who was in line with a friend.

“I was lucky I was able to run, but my companion could not,” Cordero told Reuters.

“Later on, I saw her lying on her back; she was dead. Somebody had taken her rings, earrings and watch.”

Ana Turla, a 29-year-old resident of suburban Malabon, said the stampede occurred about 8 a.m. as hundreds rushed through the gates to the center.

Turla said she was in a line for women with her sister and two others when a group of men broke out of their own line and pushed people in front of the gate, setting off the stampede.

President Joseph Estrada directed officials to check hospitals to ensure those injured were being properly cared for, presidential spokesman Fernando Barican said.

Estrada, who was surprised and saddened by the stampede, has ordered a review of the security procedures to prevent a recurrence, said Barican, who added that financial aid would be given to the families of those killed and injured.