Rep. Gullas, Samsam extend help to landslide victim’s family

CEBU, Philippines - The family of 66-year-old Ruben Tabura of sitio Tabok Sapa, barangay Jaclupan, Talisay City received financial assistance from first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas and his grandson, Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas. 

Tabura was buried alive Thursday afternoon by a landslide triggered by tropical storm “Ofel”.

Gullas said financial assistance was extended to the family but refused to disclose the exact amount.

“Mitabang ta pero dili nalang ta mosulti kung pila atong gihatag kay financial assistance man atong gitabang,” the congressman said yesterday. 

The city government of Talisay paid for Tabura’s burial. 

Tabura was reportedly bathing near a cliff at around 11:00 a.m. when a mountainside collapsed.

The site was described as a former quarry site for sand and gravel extraction.

City social welfare officer Felipa Solana said the death certificate, barangay clearance, and other documents will be submitted to the provincial government and the Department of Social Welfare Office (DSWD)-7 for the release of financial assistance.

Solana said her office will also try to endorse the requirements to the Office of Civil Defense that could also ask for assistance from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The upper portion of the cliff where the landslide originated is a place where sand is being mined.

Among other factors were the continuous rainfall and the stream which softened the land.

Residents of the place have suggested the city build a bridge over a river in the neighborhood.

Without it, children wade in the water to get to school. Local officials reportedly had promised to build one and until now residents are still waiting for the promise to be fulfilled.  (FREEMAN)