'All resources will be mobilized in search of survivors'

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Sunday that all government resources will be mobilized to search for survivors of the landslide that buried a hillside village in Southern Leyte. Palace officials also appealed for any form of assistance to complement relief and rescue efforts in barangay Guinsaugon, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte where over 1,000 villagers are feared buried under thick mud. The President earlier said that operations will continue until “all the remains are recovered and given a decent burial." Arroyo thanked all those who have expressed sympathy for the disaster victims through aid, especially the “continuous pouring of assistance from our international allies." “Even as the nation continues to grieve over this tragedy, I would like to thank all Filipinos and our friends around the world for the outpouring of sympathy and aid. I acknowledge our courageous search and relief workers—police, military, government workers and civic-minded citizens—who keep our faith high that all victims will be accounted for," she said. Among those that have either sent help or have pledged to assist in the relief and rescue operations are the United States, Japan, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand, the International Red Cross, and Taiwan. The President also said the disaster showed the importance of preserving the environment and the need for national unity in protecting “what is left behind." -GMANEWS.TV