Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. has ordered PNP regional offices to intensify efforts against illegal and mining and logging.
Acorda, in a press conference, said: “Because of what we have seen in Davao, including landslides, I am directing our regional offices to intensify their efforts against irresponsible mining and those without papers.”
The police chief added that this was discussed with the Director for Operations, “about running after this kind of operation especially on illegal logging.”
Reports said in the landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro, 98 bodies and body parts were recovered while eight people have been reported as missing.
In Mindanao, a total of 14,851 people or 4,007 families were still staying in 63 evacuation centers as of Sunday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.
A total of 22 people died due to flooding and landslide incidents.
Damage to infrastructure worth P2,627,027,756 and to agriculture worth P558,254,553 was reported. A total of 4,822 houses were damaged —4,035 partially and 787 in total.
Authorities earlier declared a state of calamity in the following areas: Maco, Davao de Oro; Agusan del Sur Lingig, Surigao del Sur; Butuan City; and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte
Government assistance worth P267,321,100 meanwhile has been provided to the victims.