Landslide causes traffic in Argao

CEBU, Philippines - A landslide caused by continuous rains disrupted traffic for nearly two hours along the national road of Barangay Bulasa, Argao Thursday evening but there were no casualties reported.

Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos said rocks and soil fell from a cliff and covered half of the lane.

An Indian Rubber tree or ‘balete’ also fell and blocked a portion of the road.

The landslide occurred at around 8:30 in the evening. It took barangay officials and residents more than an hour to clear the road.

Argao Police Station Chief Inspector Alejandro Batobalonos said they cordoned the area while barangay tanods manually cut-off branches from the tree using a chainsaw and bolos.

Personnel of the Regional Mobile Group-7 also augmented the police.

Galeos told The FREEMAN it was a good thing that nobody was walking nearby and no vehicles passed by the area when the landslide happened. There were also no houses nearby.

“Timing lang nga walay motor or sakyanan kay kung duna pa to’y niagi pisat gyud,” he said.

The town of Argao has a 24/7 communication center connected to the police station, Argao District Hospital, Argao Fire Department, and the municipal hall.

Galeos explained that any emergency call received by the communication center will be immediately sent to the corresponding agencies.

“Well equipped man na og hand-held radios tanan,” he said.

Each barangay in Argao also has a barangay risk reduction team that continuously conduct information drives in their corresponding areas.

When asked on the safety of the quarry workers during rainy season, Galeos said that every owner would not be issued permits if there are no contingency measures attached to their documents. (FREEMAN)