This is the terrifying moment a family was caught in the middle of a freak tornado in the Philippines.

JM Salazar and his relatives were taking a trip out of Bacolor town in Pampanga province when the tornado formed next to homes on June 22 afternoon.

Footage shows the locals running inside their van as the twister flung bits of debris that hit the vehicle.

Local media reported that the tornado blitzed through neighbourhoods, damaging around 26 houses, five business establishments, and a church. Among the affected buildings were the Cabalantian Church with shattered stained glass windows, and a fuel station along the highway.

Heavy rain fell soon after the whirlwind's onslaught, authorities said.

In a statement, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said: 'Some homes were reported with minor damage, detached power lines, and fallen trees.'

Local authorities were clearing the strewn debris.