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Death toll in Itogon landslide rises to 60; rescuers reach main tunnel


The death toll in the landslide in Barangay Ucab, Itogon, Benguet reached 60 as of Tuesday morning.

Three more bodies were recovered before noon, according to a report on News To Go on Tuesday by Saleema Refran.

Two of the fatalities have been identified as Romy Guinyang and his nephew David Lalbog.

The victims' relatives were among those helping in the search and rescue operations.

"Kami walang kaduda-dudang siya 'yon. Ganyan talaga ang buhay. Hindi natin hawak. Hawak ng sa itaas 'yan. Pasalamat na lang kami at nahanap na," said Renato Belen, a relative of the victims.

However, the bodies will have to undergo first the disaster victim identification process of the NBI.

Meanwhile, search, rescue and retrieval teams were able to reach the portal or main tunnel at the ground zero of the landslide area.

In a photo released by the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, rescuers could be seen digging near the entrance of the tunnel.

 

Rescuers on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, reach the main portal which was buried by landslide at the height of Typhoon Ompong in Brgy. Ucab, Itogon, Benguet. Army 5th ID

 

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau advised rescue personnel to be more cautious in digging this part since it is at the toe or bottom part of the landslide. One wrong move and the soil may move.

Rescue miners from Philex Mining were tasked to dig this part with caution.

Authorities are hoping that some of the victims ran inside the tunnel and are awaiting rescue. —KG, GMA News

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