5 dead in Malitbog, Bukidnon landslide

At least five people were reported killed in a landslide in Malitbog, Bukidnon, according to GMA Regional TV One Mindanao’s James Paolo Yap report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

According to the report, the victims were buried alive by mud and rocks in Sitio Mabuhay in Barangay San Luis on Monday afternoon, October 17. 

Among the casualties were three government workers who were having their siesta.

Their dump truck and payloader as well as a nearby house were affected by the landslide, the report also said.

“Nandito ang mga equipment para sa clearing ng landslide, nagpahinga muna sila at nananghali malapit sa isang bahay nang gumuho ang lupa,” said Malitbog Mayor Gary Casiño.

On Tuesday afternoon, the body of one of the casualties was recovered by rescuers a few meters deep from the landslide area

The remains are believed to be the driver of the dump truck.

Meanwhile, search and retrieval operations are still ongoing to find the other four victims.

K-9 dogs of the Philippine Army as well as heavy equipment of private companies have already extended help in the retrieval operations.

“Mahirap ang retrieval operation mula kahapon maka-full blast kasi habang nag-excavate patuloy ‘yung pagguho kaya natatabunan. Nag-worry tayo sa safety ng rescue team kaya pansamantalang pinatigil natin,” Casiño said. — Mel Matthew Doctor/BM, GMA News