5 children dead, 2 people hurt in Iligan City landslide —local exec

Five children died and two others in a family wounded in a landslide on Sunday morning in Mandulog, Illigan City in Lanao del Norte.

An initial police investigation shows that the landslide took place at about 6 a.m. in Purok 2 Taparak, Barangay Mandulog, affecting eight houses near the river.

Mandulog Barangay captain Abungal Pagsidan Cauntongan identified the victims, all from the Barulan family, as Shemabel, 7 months old; Trishamae, 3; John Kent,  6; Sean 4;  and CJ Barulan, 8.

Among the wounded were Sheila Mae Barulan, 26; and Jessie Barulan 24.

Barangay Captain Cauntongan also said that the landslide destroyed eight houses, with Jessie Barulan's house taking much of the damage.

Police Major Zandrex Panolong, spokesperson for the Iligan City Police Office, said that the landslide took place after intermittent heavy rains struck Iligan City, affecting houses along the nearby river.

Also, Panolong said the tragedy happened too early in the morning when all members of the Barulan family were still inside the house.

Barangay captain Cauntongan is calling for assistance from the city government in the clearing operation, and for the restoration of power supply in the area. —LBG, GMA News.