As the sun peeks through the clouds in Agoncillo, Batangas, a family begins the day dealing with the aftermath of a tragic landslide.

The landslide occurred as the southwest monsoon, intensified by #CarinaPH, dumped rains on many areas in Luzon.

The landslide in Barangay Subic Ilaya killed a 28-year-old mother and her seven-month-old unborn baby, as well as her nine-year-old child and two older siblings, 13 and 15 years old, respectively. 

Juliana Rimas, the mother of the pregnant victim, has yet to come to terms with the loss of her children and grandchildren. 

Additionally, plans for her daughter’s wedding to her live-in partner will not come to fruition. 

Despite the tragedy, Rimas is not placing blame on anyone.

At the time of the landslide, the woman’s live-in partner was at work but had already planned to leave the area. 

The local government of Agoncillo has shouldered the funeral expenses and provided food for the bereaved families.

STATE OF CALAMITY

Intermittent rain continues to affect the town of Agoncillo. 

In response to the ongoing situation, the provincial government of Batangas has declared a state of calamity, which will facilitate faster mobilization of emergency aid to the areas affected most by the disaster. 

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has not specified how long the state of calamity will be in effect. 

The heavy rains have left mud and debris in the streets of Agoncillo.