The Provincial Government of Davao de Oro has recognized the members of the search, rescue, and retrieval team (SRR) who took part in the operations in the deadly landslide that killed 11 people in Barangay Mt. Diwata, Monkayo town on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

Members of the SRR team retrieved the bodies of those who died during the three-day search and retrieval operations. A one-year-old baby had survived but was reportedly in a critical condition.

The operation concluded after the last fatality, Rommel Gumatin, was retrieved on Saturday, January 20.

Authorities said the victims were holding a prayer meeting when the incident happened.

The shear line weather system brought heavy rains which resulted in massive flooding and landslides, affecting several areas in the province.

The 11 SRR members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) were recognized for their efforts during the flag raising rites at the Capitol Grounds on Monday.

"At any rate, we survived the calamity last week and for that we are very happy to commend the efforts of our heroes everytime we have this calamity ... All of you, our heartfelt thank you. You've done a very good job" Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga was quoted as saying.

The provincial government also expressed its gratitude to the 11 municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices including other agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), police, and military, among others.

The province is now placed under a state of calamity while clearing operations continue in areas struck by landslides.