Sun.Star: Provincial aid to clear landslide in Itogon sought

About 400 households in a village in Itogon, Benguet are feared to suffer from isolation due to the continuous landslide along the road leading to the area. Barangay Loakan Proper councilman Henry Diamnuan sought the assistance of the Benguet Provincial Government in clearing the road and in putting up a diversion road to spare the village from total isolation. Diamnuan said the landslide is caused by cracks in a mountain abandoned by the Benguet Corporation, and was aggravated by the continuous downpour during the weekend. He urged the assistance of the province, particularly in the clearing activities. "The municipality has no equipment to clear the debris," he said. The proposed diversion road is very feasible, according to Diamnuan. About 400 households would suffer from isolation, if nothing is done to address the problem, he said. The barangay official said the continuous falling of soil and earth from the mountain poses risk to the people in the area. Jeepneys pass through the road despite the condition, since there is no other way for them to ferry their passengers to their destination. The Benguet Corporation management was also asked to allow the proposed put up of the diversion road. - Sun.Star