PB wants report on rockfall

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board wants an investigation report on the death of a woman in sitio Tangub, Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City after a rock fell on her from an ongoing road widening project.

PB Members Sun Shimura and Joven Mondigo Jr., through a resolution, urged the City Government of Talisay and the Department of Public Works and Highways to also study the implementation plans of the project.

In September last year, the PB also passed a resolution requesting the city government of Talisay to closely monitor the road widening project from Barangay Lagtang towards Barangay Manipis to ensure public safety.

Shimura said there have been several reported injuries in the said place because of rockfall.

“The said incidence or fatality should never be taken for granted considering the great number of people and residents who pass the said route or road going to their respective destinations,” Shimura said.

Letecia Alcoseba died last Thursday after a boulder fell on her. Alcoseba’s companion, Jovy Laborada, was also injured.

The victims were travelling on a motorcycle-for-hire locally known as “habal-habal” from Jaclupan to Barangay Tabunok when the incident happened.

Shimura said that the city mayor has the duty to coordinate in the implementation of technical services, including public works and infrastructure programs, undertaken by the national offices.

He said that appropriate and effective safety measures must have been employed right before the commencement of the said project.

In requesting for investigation report, Shimura said the PB would also like to determine the responsibility and find out who’s being negligent.

Talisay City Councilor Danny Caballero said he will sponsor a resolution next week to ask Mayor Socrates Fernandez to stop the widening project.

Willy Abatayo, project manager of contractor QM Builder, said safety measures are in place. He said that the incident was purely accidental.—(FREEMAN)