Woman who saved infant among 10 dead in Davao de Oro landslide

A woman who rescued a one-year-old infant was among the three deceased who were pulled out of the debris Friday at ground zero of the landslide in Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

According to a report by Regional TV One Mindanao's Kent Abrigana on 24 Oras, the remains of 35-year-old Ritchell Reboldad were found about three hours after disaster response teams resumed their search on Friday morning.

Reboldad saved the child by throwing her out of harm's way. They were at prayer worship in Purok 19 when tragedy struck, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people. Reboldad was the breadwinner of the family.

"Bago pa lang sila nakarating para mag-Bible study, gumuho na ang lupa. Ang ate ko naman, [nasa] gilid pa ng bahay kaya naihagis pa niya ang baby kaya nakaligtas," said Reboldad's sister Cheryl.

(Before they arrived for the Bible study, the land already gave way. My sister was still at the side of the house so she was able to throw the baby and save her.)

Of the 10 fatalities so far, five are children including a one-year-old infant. Another one-year-old child has been reported as critically injured since Thursday.

Meanwhile, the body of another victim, 44-year-old Agnes Bitoon, was retrieved past noon.

"Aasikasuhin na lang namin ang mga labi niya. Tatanggapin nalang namin ang katotohanan na hindi na siya babalik pa," said the Agnes' partner Reneboy Villanueva.

(We will attend to her remains. We will just accept the painful truth that she is no longer with us.)

At past 1 p.m., the remains of 35-year-old Elvera Saldua were found.

Still missing

The search for the lone remaining missing person, 45-year-old Rommel Gumatin, is expected to resume on Saturday barring inclement weather.

Seven of Gumatin's family members were confirmed to be among the 10 deceased.

Gumatin was able to shoot and post a video on social media before the landslide occurred.

Authorities halted search, rescue, and retrieval operations at Purok 19, Barangay Mt. Diwata on Thursday afternoon due to persistent rains caused by a shear line. Efforts resumed on Friday morning, despite some rains in the area.

"Weather condition is very challenging 'no kasi pinapahirapan talaga 'yung retrieving team natin. Pero we will do everything that we could. Ang ulan kasi is pabugso-bugso," said Jonell Palanas, safety and security head of the Monkayo Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

(The weather condition is very challenging. Our retrieval operations have been difficult. But we will do everything that we can. Rain showers continue to affect the area.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VDV, GMA Integrated News