South Cotabato, Philippines – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato headed by Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., mandated the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer to provide swift assistance to all affected communities in the recent landslide incident in Sitio El Dulog, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
Spearheaded by Rolly Doane C. Aquino and Provincial Engr. Lloyd M. Esparagosa, the OPDRRMO and Office of the Provincial Engineer conducted an on-site assessment in the incident area to determine the course of action needed to be done by the Provincial Government.
According to PDRRMO Chief Rolly Doane C. Aquino, the landslide may have been caused by various factors, among which may have been caused by the land composition in the said barangay.
“The coal naturally exists underground in the area and based on science, has low water absorption capacity. During heavy rainfall, water absorbed by the topsoil may move downward, and upon reaching coal layers, may redirect and carry soil, potentially resulting in landslide,” Aquino explained.
Furthermore, Aquino added that signs of land subsidence, tension cracks, and road cracking were observed even before mining operations began, based on previous monitoring with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
However, he acknowledged that mining operations could be a contributory factor.
Meanwhile, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., has since called for a swift delivery of assistance to the affected area.
“The OPDRRMO and OPE has initially determined six families affected by the landslide,” Aquino shared.
PDRRMO Chief Aquino stated that despite the affected area being a National Road – the Provincial Government of South Cotabato will do its best to continue to monitor and address the needs of the community.
The OPDRRMO and OPE are in close coordination with DPWH Region XII and LGU Lake Sebu for further assistance on the said incident.
