Village in Naga declared landslide prone

CEBU, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has declared a part of mountain barangay Bairan, Naga City landslide-prone and told residents to refrain from returning to the area.

"The MGB had already evaluated the place and advised the public not to return there," said Mayor Valdemar Chiong.

The mountain, which caved in last Sunday afternoon, is made of clayish soil which makes it unstable, said Chiong.

Except for Marcial Lacara, 65, who suffered a minor injury in the arm, no one else was hurt in the incident.

To avoid being caught by another landslide, the city government as per order of the MGB has already advised residents, who have evacuated since last Sunday, not to return to their homes.

Chiong said about 15 families are now living with their relatives.      Chiong has pledged a P10,000 in assistance to each household to be used in rebuilding their homes.

Meanwhile, Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador wants the public to ask for immediate assistance from the local government unit when natural calamities occur and not to rely solely on the Philippine National Police.

Comendador said during the landslide in Naga last Sunday afternoon, the police only secured the area and the people.

"Natural calamities can not be predicted but since PNP can respond immediately, all it will do is secure the area," he said.

Capitol has offered to help the victims of the landslide at Barangay Bairan, Naga City.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the province is ready to help, with the Provincial Social Welfare office already preparing bundles of rice, canned goods, blankets, utensils, and other necessities.

Garcia is also contemplating giving financial assistance.

The Provincial Social Welfare office has not yet confirmed if any assistance can still be covered by the budget.

At present, Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said barangay Bairan is off-limits since it is still a danger-zone. - Liv G. Campo, Ria Mae Y. Booc, and Deneb R. Batucan (THE FREEMAN)