5 dead, 6 missing as landslide strikes Calanogas, Lanao del Sur

COTABATO CITY – At least five people were killed and six others remain missing after a landslide triggered by heavy rains brought by Typhoon Inday struck Barangay Ngingir in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur, early Friday, authorities said.

The landslide occurred at around 2:30 a.m., burying several houses in the village.

Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region spokesperson Police Captain Steffi Salanguit said the Calanogas Municipal Police Station immediately deployed personnel for search, rescue, and retrieval operations.

However, severe road damage caused by the landslide forced first responders to walk about 10 kilometers before reaching the disaster site at around 6 a.m.

Authorities confirmed the deaths of five people, while two others were injured and six remain missing.

BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government Minister Jordan Bayam said the ministry has coordinated with the Ministry of Public Works and Highways to expedite the clearing of roads blocked by landslides between the towns of Malabang and Calanogas.

Restoring road access is crucial to allowing heavy equipment and additional support to reach the landslide site and aid ongoing search and rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy” Macacua has ordered the immediate deployment of relief assistance to all towns affected by the adverse weather conditions.

He also visited an evacuation center in Parang, Maguindanao del Sur, to oversee the situation and ensure support for the displaced individuals. — VBL, GMA News