Itogon: The Itogon municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) office is urging residents to remain vigilant, check their surroundings for cracks and other signs of earth movement, and avoid traveling at night as rains continue to increase the risk of landslides. 'With these continuing rains, we have to be very vigilant as landslides become more susceptible due to soil saturation,' Itogon DRRM Officer Cyril Batcagan said Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Batcagan reported that the municipality has recorded at least three major landslides since the rains began in the first week of August. One significant incident occurred at Sitio Tullebeng in Barangay Loacan, where a landslide buried three houses and a vegetable garden. 'Fortunately, nobody was hurt, but if the rains persist, the landslide could become bigger,' he added. Authorities plan to assess the safety of the affected houses once the weather conditions improve, as currently only the roof of one house is visible. At least 10 families have been preemptively evacuated to safer locations.
Another major landslide is being monitored along the Hartwell-Lumbag municipal road in Barangay Ampucao. Batcagan noted that residents beyond the landslide must traverse a roughly 100-meter-wide section and continue for about 200 meters uphill to reach the area. The road, which alternated between being passable and closed, is now completely impassable and could remain so for an extended period. The municipal government is considering rerouting the road, but any assessment must wait for improved weather conditions due to the soft and erosion-prone soil.
Authorities are also closely monitoring a landslide at Sitio First Gate in Barangay Ucab, where the lower portion of the road beneath the slide is sinking. Despite the landslide's size, the road cannot be closed as it is the only access route to Sitio Midas and Sitio Luneta. Warning signs have been installed, and residents are advised to avoid nighttime travel for better visibility of the road and surroundings.
Other affected areas include Sitio Goldfield along the Baguio-Itogon Road, which is closed, and the Baguio-Kias National Road, where a landslide has left the route intermittently passable. In Barangay Gumatdang, a landslide has caused the road to show signs of sinking, threatening to isolate the area. 'We have asked the MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) to check the area, and we are just waiting for the result,' Batcagan stated. Landslides frequently occur in Sitio Samoyao in Ampucao, but road clearing is facilitated by local equipment. The road to Sitio Luneta in Loacan also faces intermittent closures depending on rainfall.
Batcagan reported at least 10 landslides in the municipality, excluding smaller incidents in private residential areas that were immediately addressed. 'We are happy that despite having several landslides, we did not have any record of injury, death or missing person,' he noted.
Regarding rental aid, some evacuated families have opted to stay with relatives, but cramped conditions pose challenges, especially for children and the elderly. 'We are looking for a simple apartment where the families can relocate. The DSWD said they will temporarily shoulder the rental to give comfort to the families,' Batcagan explained, warning that more residents may need evacuation if rains persist.
On mining activities, Batcagan highlighted an executive order from the provincial government prohibiting small-scale miners from entering mining areas for safety reasons. 'We constantly call the barangay officials and the association presidents to remind them not to allow any miner to enter the mine areas,' he said. Batcagan reiterated Mayor Bernard Waclin's call to prioritize safety while traveling to and from work, at work, and at home.
