No major landslide in Compostela town

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has debunked reports of a massive landslide in Compostela town.

PDRRMC operation head Dennis Chong said no less than the local disaster risk reduction office in the town denied the report.

“According to Mr. (Carmelo) Tejero, negative daw. Wala’y landslide sa lugar,” Chong said.

Yesterday afternoon, PDRRMO officers in Compostela checked the area in Barangay Tag-ubi where the landslide reportedly occurred and found out that only a small chunk of a hill had eroded and covered part of a road.

“Gamay ra. Dili gyud tinuod nga tibuok mountain,” Chong said.

Despite the negative report, Chong said they will continue to monitor the area, including mountain barangays in the western town of Balamban that are susceptible to landslides. Assessment was made in the town yesterday and PDRRMO is expected to release its report today. It has partnered with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in identifying landslide-prone zones.

“I-identify namo ang mga locations and magbutang mi og signages didto (We will identify the locations and place signages there),” Chong said.

Last Thursday, a portion of the Tran-central Highway stretching from Barangay Gaas to Cansomoroy in Balamban was blocked by a landslide. At least 60 families or 259 individuals were affected.

Yesterday, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) sent additional food provision and 10 tents to the affected families in Barangay Gaas.

PSWDO head Evelyn Senajon said the tents can accommodate three to four families.

“The other day (Thursday) nanghatag pod ta og used clothings, food commodities, blankets and mats,” she added. –/JMO (FREEMAN)