Residents return to danger zone in Itogon despite threat of new landslides

Some residents of Barangay Ucab in Itogon, Benguet have returned to the danger zone where a landslide claimed 75 lives in September.

According to Athena Imperial's report on GMA's 24 Oras on Monday, it was discovered that some families are still residing in Sitio Garrison despite the indications of soil liquefaction.

Cracks on the road and defects on some residential structures were noticeable.

As a Typhoon Rosita threatens to traverse the province, residents of Barangay Ucab were advised by the local government to evacuate for their safety.

Justine Canuto, a resident, heeded the authorities' call to evacuate but said that her family will return once the weather condition improves.

A multi-purpose hall has been prepared to serve as a refuge for the evacuees.

Insulators were set up to serve as mattresses to sleep on.

Barangay officials also patrolled around other danger zones, including the area which the locals call the "first gate," where many casualties were recorded due to the effects of Typhoon Ompong.

"May mga ilan mang tao dyan na nagbalik pero inabisuhan namin sila kung pwede ay umalis muna. Ang sabi ng mga pulis sige maiwan kami, magbabantay kami't kung pwede sana paalisin namin sila," Brgy. Ucab Chairperson Kennedy Waclin said.

The Antamok Road in Itogon was also closed to prevent accidents among motorists.

"Ang natititra lang na ruta papunta sa Itogon 'yung Virac road," Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan said. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News