Retrieval operations at the landslide site in Itogon, Benguet
BENGUET, Philippines – Authorities are pushing very hard to complete as soon as possible the retrieval of the remaining bodies under the rubble of the landslide that struck Barangay Ucab in the town of Itogon, Benguet.
The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) has announced that it is already impossible to see signs of life under the rubble at this point after 11 days of search.
Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Secretary Francis Tolentino agreed and called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to step in.
“Siguro dapat si DSWD ay harapin na iyong mga pamilyang nag hihintay dyan. Ito na iyong community counseling siguro. Harapin na. Sabihin na na wala nang pagasang makitang buhay ang mga kamag anak. Ito na siguro ang meron kayong mga counselor dito na pwedeng magbigay ng stress debriefing, trauma counseling. Kayo na iyon,” he said.
Based on the latest tally of the Cordillera Risk Reduction and Management Council, as of September 26, the death toll in the aftermath of Typhoon Ompong in the entire Cordillera Region has hit 110 and 25 people are still missing.
In Barangay Ucab, the number of fatalities already climbed to 64 while 16 people remain missing. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Nel Maribojoc)
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