Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO)-Maco reported that as of 4 p.m, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 48 persons are still missing.
Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga in an interview Wednesday afternoon said that the rescue operation was halted due to hazardous conditions and the deteriorating situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, a total of 758 families from the neighboring communities have been evacuated and are now staying at the designated evacuation centers in the municipality of Mawab , a nearby town in Maco.
Most of the victims are workers of Apex Mining Corporation who were reportedly onboard two buses when the landslide occurred.
Meanwhile, Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) spokesman Colonel Rosa Ma. Cristina Manuel said the roads remain unpassable, and there is no cellphone signal in the area.
Emergency communication teams from the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, according to her, have already been deployed to establish radio contact within the affected vicinity and Temporary Command Posts (TCPs).
She said the 25th Infantry Battalion established a Tactical Command Post (TCP) at Tagbaros Patrol Base while the 1001st Brigade is coordinating efforts with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) and the Provincial Incident Command Post, providing leadership assistance in disaster management.
Manuel said that a total of 14 military vehicles have been mobilized to support rescue operations, alongside other vehicles from various organizations and agencies while some heavy equipment from Apex Mines are on standby, awaiting the optimal conditions to resume clearing operations.
She said EastMinCom in coordination with all involved agencies and Apex Mining, remains committed to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by the tragic incident.
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