The death toll in the massive landslide that hit a mining village in Maco, Davao de Oro has increased to 90 on Thursday, according to the latest report of the provincial government.
The same report noted that 37 people remained missing and 32 injured in the landslide that hit the gold-mining village of Masara on Feb. 6.
Nine victims were laid to rest at the Mawab Public Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, while several unidentified bodies were also buried in a mass grave as recommended by the municipal health office.
The operations in the landslide site have already transitioned from search, rescue, and retrieval to search and retrieval.
The landslide hit at least four barangays, burying some houses, a barangay hall, and the terminal of a bus company.
A three-year-old girl was recovered from the rubble two days after the landslide, and was declared in stable condition at a hospital.
Two United States Marine Corps (USMC) KC-130J Hercules aircraft on Monday were used to help in the delivery of supplies to the landslide victims.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it has deployed its search and rescue personnel and assets for humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in Davao and Caraga regions.
The Air Force deployed its 505th Search and Rescue Group, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, and the 220th Airlift Wing— with six helicopters, one C-130, and one C-295 aircraft.
Meanwhile, the Army deployed its 10th Infantry Division; 701st, 402nd, and 1001st Infantry Brigades; the 66th, 67th, 25th and 60th Infantry Battalions, and the 534th and 525th Engineer Construction Battalions to the disaster sites.
“It is without doubt that our troops are ready to go beyond the call of duty to deliver aid wherever and whenever it is needed. I am proud of every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine for their commitment and sacrifice in these trying times,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
In a statement, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the PAF – particularly the 505th Search and Rescue Group, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, and the 220th Airlift Wing – used six helicopters, one C-130, and one C-295 aircraft and have transported 88,444 pounds of relief goods, equipment, and personnel as of Feb. 13.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy also deployed BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 to facilitate the delivery of 40,000 family food packs provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The ship departed the Manila South Harbor on Feb. 13.
On Feb. 4, the BRP Tagbanua (LC-296) arrived in Davao Oriental with more than 19,000 DSWD family food packs.
Three disaster response teams of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao were also deployed on Feb. 2.
On Feb. 5, soldiers from the 25th Infantry Battalion, delivered on foot, 71 sacks containing 355 food packs to Sitio Cagan, Barangay Andap in New Bataan town in Davao de Oro.
The walk to Sitio Cagan took six hours after it was isolated by landslides in the area.
A total of 29 search, rescue, and retrieval teams and 31 land mobility assets were deployed, with 62 more on standby in the Eastern Mindanao Command joint area of operations.
Meanwhile, Brawner said the military is committed to assisting HADR efforts to support the affected population in the calamity-hit regions.
“It is without doubt that our troops are ready to go beyond the call of duty to deliver aid wherever and whenever it is needed. I am proud of every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine for their commitment and sacrifice in these trying times,” Brawner added.