Compostela landslide death toll reaches 8

DAVAO CITY – The death toll of the landslide that hit a mining site in Maco, Compostela Valley, have increased to eight with 10 others missing after the disaster that was caused by incessant heavy rains last Saturday afternoon.

Chief Superintendent Andres Caro II, Southern Mindanao police director, said search and rescue operations are still continuing to find the missing person that are believed to have been buried by rocks and mud.

Among the fatalities were Esteban Mamilit, Rosemarie Labor, Maria Christine Labor, Maria Teresa Labor, Evelyn Sellano, and Harold Sanchez.

Caro, who is also the chairman of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), said that 18 houses were destroyed and 70 families were evacuated to safer grounds as heavy rains continue to pour in the area yesterday.

Police said another landslide reportedly occurred in the area yesterday morning and had closed the roads leading to Barangay Masara.

Compostela Valley Gov. Arthur Uy said local officials have already sought the help of the RDCC for assistance after the landslides isolated some portions of the barangay.

Col. Isagani Silva, chief of the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group XI, said Huey helicopters were immediately deployed to help airlift food to the victims who were trapped in the isolated barangay.

Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Armando Rico said elements of the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion were also deployed to help in the search and rescue operations in Barangay Masara.

Uy said the residents of Barangay Masara have been told for several times already to vacate the place but still they persist in staying.

He said the Mining and Geo-sciences Bureau has already issued appropriate warning to the villagers who have instead opted to stay in the mining site.