Photo credit: PRC - Davao De Oro Chapter

In response to a catastrophic landslide that occurred on February 6 at around 7-8 PM in Brgy. Masara, Maco, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), in collaboration with APEX Mining and local authorities, has been actively involved in rescue and relief operations. The incident buried two buses and left numerous individuals trapped in hazardous conditions.

Update on Rescue Operations

At approximately 00:15 am, the rescue operation was temporarily halted under the directions of Congressman Ruwel Peter Gonzaga and Mayor Arthur Carlos Voltaire Rimando due to worsening conditions on the ground.

Out of the 86 employees initially reported trapped, 45 have been successfully rescued, while 3 individuals are in critical condition, requiring urgent air evacuation. Efforts are underway to locate and rescue the remaining 41 individuals.

Evacuation and Communication Challenges

The affected area remains inaccessible by vehicle, with 42 individuals currently in an evacuation area. Emergency communication teams have been deployed to establish radio contact, but the lack of cellphone signal poses a significant challenge. Meanwhile, 86 families (approximately 600 individuals) from neighboring communities have been evacuated to safer locations, though there are reports of unaccounted individuals believed to be affected by the landslide.

Military and Local Response

The 1001st Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, has deployed emergency communication teams, established Temporary Command Posts (TCP), and coordinated efforts at the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) and the Provincial Incident Command Post. The 25th Infantry Battalion has set up a Tactical Command Post (TCP) at Tagbaros Patrol Base, with rescue teams on standby near the incident site.

Future Operations

With roads impassable, rescue operations are expected to resume at daybreak with the deployment of rescue and retrieval teams. Helicopters will be utilized for the air evacuation of the critically injured victims. EastMinCom, under LtGen Greg T Almerol, remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by this tragic event.

Details on the Landslide

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) confirmed that the landslide incident was triggered by continuous rain from the shearline and, recently, from the trough of the Low-Pressure Area (LPA).