The bodies of the couple buried in a landslide in Sitio Kipolot, Barangay Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon were recovered around 9:31 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

The local government said the bodies of Ely and Thelma Ubatay, both 60 years old, were retrieved after five days of continuous search operations following the landslide that caused a portion of the Bukidnon-Davao Road to collapse on October 18, 2025.

The couple was on board a tricab when they were swept down by the landslide about 80 meters deep. The tricab was first found the next day.

Forts Cabarde, Quezon Public Information Officer, said the couple was embracing each other when found.

“Ang sitwasyon kung atong ihulagway naggakos pa gyud ni sila pagkakita,” Cabarde said.

Rescuers found strong indications of the bodies' location with the help of four search and rescue dogs – three from the military and one from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Opol, Misamis Oriental.

“Katong upat ka iro kung buhian nimo sila didto gyud sila padulong,” Cabarde added.

Cabarde said that the local government will provide assistance to the family.

“Tabangan sa pagpahiluna tinabangay mani kay residente mani sila sa Quezon tabangan gyud namo ning pamilya,” Cabarde added.

Cabarde added that bad weather conditions caused delays in the search and retrieval operations.

Earlier, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the construction of a detour road to restore connectivity in the area.

However, construction may take several months.

DPWH will also install a temporary staircase for bus passengers through a “tabo system,” where passengers are transferred to another bus on the opposite side to continue their trip.